Lesser-known Signers of the Declaration of Independence: Thomas Nelson, Jr., of Virginia. Two views.

Nelson was a member of what was known as the"First Families" of Virginia. Here are two different views of his story. Founding Father Thomas Nelson Jr. was born in 1738 in Yorktown to one of Virginia’s First Families. He grew up in all the trappings of wealth and prepared for taking his eventual place as …

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Lesser-known Signers of the Declaration of Independence: Robert Morris of Pennsylvania (two views)

Robert Morris of Philadelphia had a life that really had its ups and downs. See if you don't agree after reading these two views of his life. Known as “Financier of the Revolution,” Robert Morris was indispensable to the cause of American Independence—using his commercial and financial brilliance to almost single-handedly propel American war efforts …

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Lesser-known signers of the Declaration of Independence: Thomas McKean, two states and two takes (well, actually three) on his life

Thomas McKean served two states, and there are at least two ways to speak about his colorful life. Thomas McKean was a lifelong public servant, statesman, and jurist who helped shape early American government. He was born on March 19, 1734, in Chester County, Pennsylvania, the son of an innkeeper and farmer. Though a Pennsylvanian …

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Lesser-known Signers of the Declaration of Independence: Philip Livingston of New York. Two different looks at his life.

Philip Livingston, born on January 15, 1716, in Albany, New York, hailed from the wealthy and influential Livingston family. Philip spent his youth in opulent manor houses and townhomes before attending Yale College in the 1730s. After graduating, Philip settled in New York City and soon became one of the town’s most successful merchants. By …

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Lesser-known Signers of the Declaration of Independence: Samuel Huntington of Connecticut. Two takes on his life.

Huntington had a very intriguing life, and accomplishments. Samuel Huntington, born in July 1731 in Windham, Connecticut, was a lifelong public servant devoted to the cause of American independence. Raised on his family’s 180-acre farm, Huntington received his early education in local public schools and grew up in what would now be considered a middle-class …

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Lesser-known Signers of the Declaration of Independence: Abraham Clark of New Jersey (two takes on his life)

For this lesser-known signer, I am reproducing two separate takes on his life. The first one is from the White House site where I have been getting my information on the other signers. The second one is from an X post that crossed my feed earlier today. Same guy, two different looks at his life …

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Lesser-known Signers of the Declaration of Independence: Caesar Rodney of Delaware

I just learned today about Caesar Rodney. It seems that he had his own "Midnight Ride" for the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Caesar Rodney was born October 7, 1728 on a sprawling farm in Kent County, Delaware. After losing his father in his youth, Rodney inherited wealth and responsibility that he used for …

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In keeping with the America 250 theme, here’s some history you may not be familiar with.

This is a different take on the Boston Tea Party. 252 years ago today, the British Empire closed the busiest port in North America to teach one colony a lesson, and accidentally turned thirteen colonies into one country. On December 16, 1773, a few dozen Bostonians had thrown 342 chests of East India Company tea …

Continue reading In keeping with the America 250 theme, here’s some history you may not be familiar with.

Lesser-known Signers of the Declaration of Independence: Arthur Middleton of South Carolina

Arthur Middleton was a son of South Carolina, and had a very interesting life. See if you don't agree. Arthur Middleton was a South Carolinian patriot who fiercely defended his colony’s interests and supported radical measures against British rule. He was one of a handful of signers of the Declaration of Independence to become a …

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Lesser-known Signers of the Declaration of Independence: William Paca of Maryland

I can honestly say that I have never heard of this Maryland gentleman who signed the Declaration. He was an interesting fellow, see if you don't agree! A respected lawyer, jurist, and public servant, William Paca was known for his quiet, razor-sharp logic and strategy—and his impact on Maryland politics before, during, and after the …

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