Book_. 2: 'T 5~P 5-^ I h ; - e h liV I CATALOGUE OF y^^ivv^ p^, PORTRAITS AND FURNITURE INDEPENDENCE HALL. ;5>i WITH A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF EACH OF THE SIGNERS OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. PHILADELPHIA: PUBLISHED FOR THE USE OF VISITORS. 1878. '!\ ^'N>V I II - CATALOGUE OP PDRimilTS AND FURNITURE IN INDEPENDENCE RIILL The Presiding Officer^ s Chair occupied by John Han- cock as President of the Independence Congress. The Table on which the Declaration of Independence received the signatures of the members. Thirteen Chairs used by members of the Congress, and presented by various patriotic owners or custodians, as marked. The Original Chandelier used for evening sessions. These are genuine relics of interest beyond all chance of error. Statue of Washington — life size, in wood — by AVilliam Rush, Sculptor, of Philadelphia. Two Sevres Vases, presented by the French Government to the City of Philadelphia, July 4, 1876. Portrait of Washington in Mosaic. — "A Gift to the City of Philadelphia, as Souvenir of the first Centennial of the Independence of the United States of America, declared in that city July 4, 1776." Presented by the Artist L. A. Gallandt, of the City of Rome, Italy. The array of portraits begins at the eastern end of the Hall, as named and numbered. 1. John Hancock, President of Congress of 1776. Peale. 2. Richard Henry Lee, Mover of the Resolutions for Independence. Peale. 3. Benjamin Harrison, Chairman of Committee of the Whole, to consider the question of Independence. Lambdin, after Trumbull. 4. Thomas Jefferson, Chairman of Committee to draft the Declaration of Independence. Peale. 5. Roger Sherman, Member of Committee to draft, &c. Presented by his descendant William M. Evarts. Hicks, after Earle. 6. John Adams, Member of Committee to draft, &c. Peale. 7. Samuel Adams, The Pioneer of the Revolution. Presented by Mrs. George A. Simmons and others, descendants. Onthank, after Copley. 8. Benjamin Franklin, Member of Committee to draft, &c. Peale, after Martin. 9. John Dickinson, The great advocate of constitutional rights and member of Congress, July, 1776, from Pennsyl- vania. Peale. 10. Robert Morris, The great financier of the Revolution and member of Congress, July, 1776, from Pennsylvania. 11. Thomas McKean, Advocate of Independence and member of Con- gress, July, 1776, from Delaware. Peale. 12. Samuel Chase, Advocate of Independence and member of Con- gress, July, 1776, from Maryland. Peale. 13. GeoPvGe Wythe, Advocate of Independence and member of Con- gress, July, 1776, from Virginia. 14. Joseph Hewes, Member of Congress, July, 1776, from North Carolina. 15. JosiAH Bartlett, Member of Congress of Julj^, 1776, from New Hampshire. Presented by his descendants. 16. Charles Thomson, Secretary of Congress of 1776. Peale. 17. Thomas Hey WARD, Jr., Member of Congress, July, 1776, from South Caro- lina. Presented by Nathaniel Hey ward. Frazer, after . 18. Elbridge Gerry, Great advocate of Independence, member of Con- gress, July, 1776, from Massachusetts. 19. Kobert R. Livingston, Member of Committee to draft Declaration of In- dependence. Presented by Clermont Livingston and others, descendants. Pratt, after Sttiart. 6 20. William Whipple, Member of Congress of 1776, from New Hamp- shire. 21. Egbert Treat Paine, • '^ Member of Congress of 1776, from Massachusetts. 22. Stephen Hopkins, Member of Congress of 1776, from Rhode Island. Lambdin, after Trumbull. 23. William Ellery, Member of Congress of 1776, from Rhode Island. Lambdin, after Trumbtdl. 24. Samuel Huntington, Member of Congress of 1776, from Connecticut. Peale. 25. William Williams, Member of Congress of 1776, from Connecticut. Sawyer, after Trumbull. 26. Oliver AYglcgtt, Member of Congress of 1776, from Connecticut. Lambdin, after Trumbull. 27. William Floyd, Member of Congress of 1776, from New York. Henry, after Trumbull. 28. Philip Livingston, Member of Congress of 1776, from New York. Peale. 29. Francis Lewis (frame vacant). Member of Congress of 1776, from New York. 30. Lewis Morris, Member of Congress of 1776, of New York. Pre- sented by his descendant, Harry G. Morris Flagg, after Trumbull. 31. KiCHARD Stockton, Member of Congress of 1776, from New Jersey. Conarroe, after . 32. John Witherspoon, Member of Congress of 1776, from New Jersey. 83. Francis Hopkinson, Member of Congress of 1776, from New Jersey. Peale. 34. Abraham Clark, Member of Congress of 1776, from New Jersey. Lamhdin, after Trumbull. 35. Benjamin Rush, Member of Congress of 1776, from Pennsylvania. Peale. 36. James Wilson, Member of Congress of 1776, from Pennsylvania. Wharton, after Jas. Peale. 37. George Ross, Member of Congress of 1776, from Pennsylvania. Wharton, after West. 38. George Clymer, Member of Congress, of 1776, from Pennsylvania. Marchant, after . 39. George Read, Member of Congress of 1776, from Delaware. Sully, after Pine. 40. Thomas Stone, Member of Congress of 1776, from Maryland. Pre- sented by the St^|ip of Maryland. ^:^r " Mayer, after Peale. 41. William Paca, Member of Congress of 1776, from Maryland. Pre- sented by the State of Maryland. Mayer, after Peale, 8 42. Charles Carroll, of Carrol Iton, Member of Congress of 1776, from Maryland. Peale. 43. Thomas Nelson, Jr., Member of Congress of 1776, from Virginia. 44. Francis Lightfoot Lee (frame vacant). Member of Congress of 1776, from Virginia. 45. William Hooper, Member of Congress of 1776, from North Carolina. Lambdin, after Trumbull. 46. Edward Rutledge, Member of Congress of 1776, from South Carolina. Presented by Joshua Francis Fisher. Wharton, after Trumbull. 47. Thomas Lynch, Jr., Member of Congress of 1776, from South Carolina. 48. Arthur Middleton, Member of Congress of 1776, from South Carolina. Presented by the artist. Whartoii, after West. 49 George Walton, Member of Congress of 1776, from Georgia. Waugh, after Jas. Peale. 50. Thomas Johnson, Member of Congress of 1776, from Maryland. Pre- sented by the State of Maryland. Mayer, after Peale. 51. Rev. William White, Chaplain to Congress. Peale. 9 Along the surbase are arranged portraits of the Presi- dents of the Continental Congress, all painted by Peale. Peyton Randolph, Elias Boudinot, Henry Laurens, Arthur St. Clair, ' John Hanson, Thomas Mifflin, John Jay, While frames are reserved for Henry Middleton, or Cyrus Griffin. 60. The Commander-in-Chief. An original portrait by James Peale. Above the doorway. Also portraits of the following commanders in the army and navy, in the order of their commission in the United States service. 61. General Artemas Ward (over doorway). 62. General Philip Schuyler (frame vacant). 63. General Israel Putnam (frame vacant). 64. General Richard Montgomery. 65. General Horatio Gates. 65^. John Sullivan. QfQ. General Nathan ael Greene. 67. General William Alexander (Lord Stirling). 68. General Benjamin Lincoln. 69. Marquis de Lafayette. 70. Baron de Kalb. 71. Baron Steuben. 72. General William Smallwood. 73. General L. De Begue Portail. 74. General Henry Knox. 75. General Christopher Gadsden. 76.. General Lachlan Mcintosh. 77. General Anthony Wayne (frame vacant). 78. General James Mitchell Varnum. 78 J. Peter Muhlenberg. a2 110 79. General George Clinton (frame vacant). 80. Genera] Joseph Reed. 81. General James Wilkinson. 82. General Daniel Morgan. 83. General Otho Holland Williams. 84. General Joseph Warren (Provincial). 85. General Thomas Sumter (Provincial). 86. Colonel John Eager Howard. 87. Colonel William A. Washington. 88. Colonel Harry Lee. 89. Comte De Rochambeau. 90. Commodore John Paul Jones (over doorway). 91. Commodore Joshua Barney. 92. Commodore Nicholas Biddle. 93. Commodore John Barry (frame vacant). Also in the southwest corner, not numbered, (beneath t portrait of Bishop White,) Thomas Willing, Esq., President of the first Bank of the United States. Dr. William Shippen, one of the founders of the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania. George Turner, Esq., Judge of the United States Court, appointed by President Washington ; and a member of the Society of the Cincinnati. BIOGRAPHICAL PROFILES OF THE SIGNERS OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. JOHN HANCOCK Was born in Quincj, Massachusetts, 1737. At the age of seven years he was left an orphan, and ten years later entered the service of his uncle, an opulent Boston merchant, from whom he after- wards inherited a large fortune. In 1760 visited England, on a business mission, and while there witnessed the coronation of the Sovereign who a few years later offered a reward for his head. Soon after his return he exchanged mercantile for political life, and from that time forward enjoyed, uninterruptedly, the highest honors within the gift of the people. He was chosen President of the Continental Congress, and his bold signature alone accom- panied the first publication of the Declaration of Independence. John Hancock was the first man ever elected Governor of a free PEOPLE, by their voluntary suffrage, and discharged all the duties which devolved upon him, for many successive terms, with distin- guished ability. While in Congress he was among its most influ- ential members, and continued a popular leader up to the time of his death, October 8, 1793. THOMAS JEFFERSON — THE AUTHOR OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE — WaS born at Shadwell, Virginia April 13, 1743. His father died when he was but fourteen years of age, leaving him inheritor of Monti- cello, the paternal estate. We pass over his early life, and until 1774, at which time the powerful influence of his pen was everywhere felt, and he was justly regarded as the champion of American 12 Freedom. The limits of our sketch will not allow us to mention the many distinguished services of his public life, which termin- ated in 1808, with his second presidential term of office. Having lived to witness the fiftieth anniversary of his country's freedom and happiness — and which was the full realization of his last earthly wish — he calmly " resigned his soul to his God, and his child to his country," on the morning of July 4, 1826, in the eighty-fourth year of his age. JOHN ADAMS Was born at Quincy, Massachusetts, October 30, 1735. Upon leaving college, with distinguished honor, he became a student of law, was admitted to the bar in 1758, and soon acquired a promi- nent position in his profession. He actively engaged in measures for the liberties of the people, and, as a consequence, became very obnoxious to Governors Barnard, Hutchinson, and Gage From his election to Congress in 1774, he continued in public life, and after serving as Vice-President during the administrations of Washington, became his immediate successor. Associated with Jeflferson on the committee appointed to draft the Declaration of Independence — sharing alike as they did in the honors of life and the sublimity of death — on the same memorable morning, July 4, 1826, he passed through the dark portal hand in hand as it were with his illustrious compeer. BENJAMIN FKANKLIN Was born in Boston, Massachusetts, January 17, 1706. His fa- ther emigrated from England in 1682, and soon after commenced business as a soap-boiler and tallow-chandler, which remained his permanent occupation. At an early age the future statesman and philosopher was placed in the printing office of an elder brother, where he remained until he was seventeen years old, and acquired a thorough knowledge of the business; at which time he started upon his travels. Failing to obtain employment in New York, he proceeded on foot to Philadelphia, where he at once obtained a situation as a journeyman printer. Many incidents of the most interesting character attended his early life, and from which every youth of our country may derive pleasure and counsel. From the poor printer boy he advanced to the highest honors which his country could bestow. He died at Philadelphia, April 17, 1790, aged eighty-four years. 13 JOSIAH BAETLETT Was born in Amesbury, Massachusetts, November, 1729- From the year 1765 he boldly denounced the abuses of the home govern- ment. He was a member of the first Continental Congress — one of the committee appointed to devise a plan for the Confederation of the States, and was the first, after Hancock, who signed the Declaration of Independence, on the second of August, 1776. In In 1779 he was appointed Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas of New Hampshire, and afterwards to the bench of the Su- preme Court. Upon the adoption of the State Constitution in 1787, he was elected a Senator in Congress, but declined the honor, and continued President of New Hampshire, to which he had been pre- viously chosen, and which position he occupied until 1793, when he was elected the first Governor of that State under the Federal Constitution. This office he resigned soon after, and retired to private life. He was a distinguished member of the medical pro- fession in early life, and from his practice accumulated a fortune. His death occurred May 19, 1795, aged sixty- six years. WILLIAM WHIPPLE Was born in Kittery, Maine in the year 1730. His youth and early manhood were occupied in a seafaring life until the age of twenty-nine, when he settled in Portsmouth as a merchant. Ever on the side of freedom, he soon became a firm opponent to the abuses of the home government, and during his eventful life dis- played that stern and unbending devotion to principle which has secured lasting veneration for his name. In the council and the field he displayed alike his wisdom and courage, and left to the youth of his country a character for study and emulation. As Bri- gadier General, Mr. Whipple distinguished himself at the battles of Stillwater and Saratoga, and from the humble cabin boy rose to distinguished eminence among his countrymen. In 1785, while in the discharge of official judicial duties, and suffering from a chronic affection of the heart, he was compelled to retire from the court over which he was then presiding, and died on the twenty- eighth day of November, 1785, in the fifty-sixth year of his age. MATTHEW THOKNTON Was born in Ireland in 1714, from whence his parents emigrated while in his infancy, and settled in Worcester, Massachusetts. A*3 14 He received a liberal education, and at a comparatively early age took rank among the first physicians of his State. Possessing the full confidence and patronage of the home government, he never- theless voluntarily surrendered them by his opposition to the ex- isting abuses. His popularity with the people was unbounded, and on the abdication of Governor Wentworth he was elected his suc- cessor. Upon the organization of the Provincial Congress he was chosen Speaker of the House, and in the same year was appointed delegate to the Continental Congress. Dr. Thornton resigned public life in 1782, and retired to his farm, in Exeter, where he was blessed with many years, arul lived to see his country in the height of prosperity. Up to his eighty-second year, he was never ill a day, but at this time was attacked with whooping-cough, from which he never fully recovered. Dr. Thornton died in 1803, at the age of eighty-nine years. SAMUEL ADAMS (Next to Hancock the most obnoxious " rebel" of the Revolution) was born in Boston, Massachusetts, September 22, 1722. He de- scended from Pilgrim stock, and in early life enjoyed the advant- ages of wealth and influence. In 1763 he began boldly to assert the rights of the Colonies, and was among the first who advocated resistance to the oppressions of the Crown. In 1765 Mr. Adams was chosen a representative for Boston in the General Assembly, and during the remainder of his life-^nearly forty years — occu- pied positions of high honor and responsibility. He was among those who secretly matured the plan of proposing a General Con- gress; was one of the five delegates appointed to that body in 1774, and continued a member of Congress until 1781. Soon af- ter retiring from Congress, he was chosen to the first position in his native State, and up to the close of his life he was annually re- elected. Mr. Adams died October 3, 1803, in the eighty-second year of his age. ROBERT TREAT PAINE. This distinguished patriot was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1731. He was one of the most successful students of Harvard College, which he entered at the age of fourteen years. Dnring his early life he visited England, and upon his return entered the ministry, which, however, he soon relinquished for the legal pro- fession, and in which he early became a distingiiished member. Prominent and uncompromising among those who denounced the abuses of the home government, he early buckled on the armor of 15 Revolution, and in 1768 boldly assumed its responsibilities. From being elected a member of the Provincial Congress of Massachu- setts in 1774, he continued uninterruptedly in the public service. As a legislator and jurist he was equally successful, and faithfully discharged the trust and confidence reposed in him by his country- men up to the close of his eventful life, which occurred in May, 1814, at the ripe age of eighty-four years. Mr. Paine retired from the bench of the Supreme Court of his native State about ten years previous to his death. ELBRIDGE GERRY Was born in Marblehead, Massachusetts, on the 17th July, 1744. The son of an opulent merchant, he enjoyed all the advantages of early culture, and was a distinguished graduate of Harvard College in 1762. Soon after this he entered upon mercantile life, and not only amassed a fortune, but by his unbending integrity of character secured the highest regard and confidence of his fellow citizens. Active in his opposition to the increasing injust- ice of Great Britain, he was elected a member of the first Provin- cial Congress of Massachusetts, and was a member of the same at the time of the battle of Bunker Hill, — the night preceding which he and General Warren slept in the same bed. In 1776 Mr. Gerry was elected a delegate to the Continental Congress, and continued in places of high trust and honor through life. His death occurred very unexpectedly, November 23, 1814, at which time he was discharging his duties as Vice-President of the United States. He was entombed in the Congressional Cemetery at Washinton, and a monument was erected to his memory by Congress. STEPHEN HOPKINS Was born at Scituate, Rhode Island, March 7, 1707. At the age of twenty-four years he left the plough, removed to Providence, and engaged in mercantile business. The year following he was elected a representative in the General Assembly, of which body he continued a member for nearly twenty years, and most of the time, without a competitor, as speaker. In 1751 he was chosen Chief Justice of the Colony. At an early day he boldly opposed the abuses of the home government. Few men of his time enjoyed a greater degree of public confidence, and the stern integrity ma- nifested in every discharge of duty needs no proof that the honors were most worthily bestowed. Mr. Hopkins died July 19, 1785, in the seventy-eighth year of his age. 16 WILLIAM ELLERY vitl.'! "Was born at Newport, Rhode Island, December 22, 1727. He enjoyed unusual advantages in early life, and al the age of twenty years received the highest honors of Harvard College. For nearly a quarter of a century he practised law with distinguished success, and from which he acquired a fortune. He was uncompromising in asserting and maintaining all the just rights of the Colonies, and from the commencement to the close of the Revolutionary struggle, discharged with wisdom and fidelity the responsible trusts delegated to him. As a reward for these services, it was his for- tune to witness a nation in the full enjoyment of blessings for which he had pledged " life and fortune." Mr. EUery may be styled the CLASSIC signer of the Declaration of Independence. On the morn- ing of his death he perused Tully's Offices, and died with Cicero in his hand — which event occurred, while sitting in his chair, February 15, 1820, in the seventy-third year of his age. ROGER SHERMAN Was born in Newtown, Massachusetts, April 19, 1721. On the death of his father, and when but nineteen years of age, the sup- port of a large family devolved upon him, all of which attendant duties were faithfully discharged. He served a regular apprent- iceship as shoemaker, in his native town ; after acquiring which he travelled on foot to New Milford, Connecticut, where he for a time worked industriously at his trade as a journeyman. Mr. Sher- man was one of the "remarkable" men of the Revolution. With scarcely an opportunity or advantage in early life for self-culture, he was called from his humble position, not only to represent his State, but to occupy a prominent position in Congress among the patriots of the Revolution. He was one of the committee appoint- ed to draft the Declaration of Independence, a member of the Con- vention which framed the Constitution of the United States; after- wards became a distinguished jurist, and at the time of his death July 23, 1793, was a member of the United States Senate. SAMUEL HUNTINGTON Was born at W^indham, Connecticut, July 2, 1732. His father was a moderate farmer of his day, and we find nothing to mention of especial note until 1764, at which time the son occupied an honorable position in the legal profession at Norwich, and from 17 which we may properly date his public life, afterwards so distin- guished — upon the bench, in Congress, and as Governor of Con- necticut. His devoted patriotism and unbending integrity secured the unqualified confidence of Congress, of which body he was cho- sen President in 1779, then the highest oflSce in the nation. In consequence of impaired health, he was obliged to resign this po- sition, much to the regret, and with the reluctant consent of Con- gress. Mr. Huntington succeeded John Jay as Minister Plenipo- tentiary to Spain, and in negoti«^ting a treaty of amity and com- merce with that nation. In 1786 he was elected Governor of Connecticut, and continued in the same office until the time of his death, which event occurred on the fifth of January, 1796, in the sixty-fourth year of his age. WILLIAM WILLIAMS Was born at Lebanon, Connecticut, April 18, 1731. At the age of twenty years he was a distinguished graduate of Harvard Col- lege, and commenced the study of theology with his father, who, for more than half a century, was pastor of a Congregational So- ciety in Lebanon. He soon after abandoned theology, and entered upon mercantile life in his native town, from which he amassed a fortune. At the age of twenty-five Mr. Williams was chosen a member of the Connecticut Assembly, and was continued a mem- ber of that body for forty-five years! He was elected a delegate to the General Congress in 1775, and was an ardent supporter of the Declaration of Independence. During the darkest and most trying period of the great struggle, and when the currency of the country had become almost valueless, he at one time exchanged a large sum in specie for an equal amount in Continental money, with which to obtain supplies for the army. In 1804 Mr. Williams re- tired from public life, from the infirmities of age. He died August 2, 1811, aged eighty-one years. OLIVER WOLCOTT Was born at Windsor, Connecticut, November 26, 1726. He en- tered Yale College at the age of seventeen years, graduated with the usual honor, in 1747, and in the same year entered upon the study of medicine with a distinguished uncle. Soon after com- pleting his medical course, he abandoned the same for public life — which afterwards became so popular — in the field, upon the bench, and as a legislator. Few men enjoyed a greater degree of confidence from the people, and during the remainder of his life A3* 18 he uninterruptedly occupied the most honorable positions within their gift. First among the opponents of unjust British rule, he early advocated an independent government, and lived to witness his countrymen in the full enjoyment of that for which he had pledged his honor, his fortune, and his life. His death occurred December 1, 1797, and while serving as Governor of his native State. WILLIAM FLOYD Mi' ■ Was born at Setauket, Long Istand, December 17, 1734. ^ His fa- ther was one of the most wealthy farmers in the country, in which calling the son continued up to 1774, when he was chosen a dele- gate to the first Continentai Congress, and from which time for- ward he occupied a prominent position in public life. Few men suffered greater pecuniary less from the Revolution, and for nearly seven years his estate was in possession of English troops, and his family living in exile. General Floyd was several times re-elected to Congress, and was among the most influential of its members. In 3 778 he consented for the last time to a seat in Congress, and upon the expiration of the term for which he was then chosen, retired from active public life. His death occurred August 4, 1821, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. PHILIP LIVINGSTON W^as born at Albany, N. Y., January 15, 1716. He entered Yale College at an early age, and graduated with distinguished honors in 1737. Immediately after leaving College, he located perma- nently in New York, and soon became one of its most successful commercial citizens. His public career mav be dated from 1754, when he was chosen alderman of the " East Ward,'' at which time Wall Street was the north bounds of the town, and its entire po- pulation only about eleven thousand ! Mr Livingston was a member of the first Continental Congress, one of tlie committee ap- pointed to prepare an address to the mother country, and among the most firm and influential patriots of the Revolution. For some time previous, and at the time of leaving home to take his seat in the Congress of 1778, he had been afilicted with serious disease, and he accordingly took a final leave of his family. His presen- timent soon became a reality, by his sudden death, on the twelfth of June following, in the sixty-second year of his age. n FEANCIS LEWIS Was born in Landaff, Wales, in the year 1713. After the com- pletion of his education at Westminster, he served an apprentice- ship with a London merchant, and, upon attaining his majority, emigrated to this country, and entered at once upon commercial life, which was very successful. His public life dates from a seat in the Continental Congress, from which time forward he was re- garded as an able legislator, and distinguished himself with equal credit in the field. During the possession of Long Island by the British, he not only suflfered great pecuniary loss from the de- struction of his property, but in cruelty exhibited towards his ex- cellent wife, which utterly ruined her health and resulted in her premature death, Mr. Lewis retired from public life in 1778, and enjoyed the esteem and gratitude of his countrymen up to his death, which occurred December 30, 1803, in the ninetieth year of his age. LEWIS MOKRIS Was born at Morrisania, New York, in the year 1726. He en- tered Yale College at the age of sixteen, and four years after gra- duated with the usual honors. He early espoused the rights of the Colonies — boldly denounced the abuses of the home govern- ment — and was foremost among the noble band who pledged for- tune and life in the great struggle. He voluntarily retired from Congress m 1777, but continued in the public service of his native State until the restoration of peace, when he retired to the quiet and happiness of agriculture, and which- he continued to enjoy up to the close of his life. He died in January, 1798, aged seventy- two years. Mr, Morris was succeeded in Congress by his brother, Governeur Morris, and upon the election of the latter, received a vote of thanks for his " long and faithful services rendered to the Colony of New York." EICHARD STOCKTON Was born at Princeton, New Jersey, October 1, 1730. He en- joyed all the advantages which wealth could secure, in his early life and education, and, at the age of eighteen years, upon leaving Princeton College with its usual honors, entered upon the study of law— to the practice of which he was admitted in 1754— and 20i in which he rapidly rose to distinction and eminence. He en- joyed especial honors from the Kiner, and possessing ample for- tune, his patriotism and unfaltering devotion to the Revolutionary CMUse are the more to be venerated. While in Congress, Mr. Stockton was among its most influential members, and during the great struggle experienced rever-es and sufferings of the most try- ing character. He was for a time imprisoned in the common jail at Amboy and afterwards removed to the old Provost prison in the city of New York, then situated in the Park, where the pre- sent Hall of Records now stands, and during his confinement was subjected to the most cruel treatment. Mr. Stockton died February 28, 1781, in the fifty-first year of his age. JOHN WITHERSPOON Was born at Yester, Scotland, February 5, 1722. He was a lineal descendant of the great reformer, John Knox. At the age of four- teen years he entered the University of Edinburgh. After pursuing a regular theological course of study — he graduated at the age of twenty-two years, a licensed preacher, and soon became a popular divine in his native country. After repeated solicitation.s, he de- termined to accept the presidency of New Jersey College, and on the eighteenth day of August, 1768, he entered upon the duties of that position. Deeply sympathising in the Revolutionary move- ment, he for a few years retired from ministerial duties, during which time he distinguished himself as a patriot and statesman. Dr. Witherspoon continued in political life until 1783, when here- turned to his sacred calling, and in which he continued up to the day of his death, notwithstanding that he was afflicted with total blindness during the last two years of his ministration. Dr. W^ith- erspoon died on the tenth" day of November, 1794, in the seventy- third year of his age. FRANCIS HOPKINSON Was born in Philadelphia, Penna,, in the year 1737. His parents were both members of the most aristocratic families in England ; his mother being a daughter of the Bishop of Worcester, and the family of his father equally distinguished. We pass over his early life, in which he enjoyed every advantage of cultivation, education, and refinement. He was in due course of time admitted as a legal practitioner, and soon acquired success in his profession. Like many other true patriots of his day, he voluntarily surrendered 21 the enjoyment of favors and position from the home government, and in its stead placed his all in jeopardy for the public good. He was elected to the General Congress in 1776, and for a num- ber of years following was among its most active and useful busi- ness members. Mr. Hopkinson may be ranked as the poet and wit of his time. In State as well as in national affairs he occupied po- sitions of the highest responsibility up to the day of his death, which event occurred suddenly in May, 1791, at the comparative early age of fifty -three years. JOHN HAET Was born in New Jersey. In common with all other biographers we are unable to state the year with accuracy. He was among the most thrifty and intelligent farmers of his State, but from the year 1765 he boldly denounced the abuses of the home government, and from that time forward devoted his eiforts and possessions to the service of his country. Mr. Hart was a member of the first Continental Congresss, aad continued among tbe most unflinching and influential patriots of the Kevolution up to the day of his death, which occurred in 1780, and before the termination of the glorious struggle. No name is appended to the Declaration of Indepfnd- ence which more deserves our veneration. The death of Mr. Hart occurred at the gloomiest period of the War, but he never for a moment doubted the final issue — and his last prayer was for the Divine blessing and protection to his country. ABRAHAM CLARK Was born at Elizabethtown, New Jersey, February 15, 1726. He was the only child of a frugal farmer ; but, in consequence of his feeble constitution he left the plough in early life, and turned his attention to surveying and the study of law. His popularity with the people soon secured him a prominent position, and although enjoying the official patronage of the home government, he was among the first to denounce its abuses. Mr. Clark was elected in 1776 to the Continental Congress, and continued in the public service up to the time of his sudden death, from sunstroke, which occurred in June, 1794. He cheerfully suffered much pecuniary loss from the Revolution: his family were driven from their home, and two of his sons experienced all the horrors of the Jersey pri- son-ship. 22 EGBERT MORRIS Was born in Lancashire, England, in January, 1733. He receiv- ed every advantage of wealth in his early culture and education, and, upon attaining his majority, entered upon mercantile life, at Philadelphia. The great question of American freedom at this time engrossed public attention, and for its accomplishment Mr. Morris consecrated his possessions. He was the financier of the Revolution — he enjoyed the especial confidence of Washing- ton ; his name was the first that was mentioned upon the forma- tion of his Cabinet. Upon declining the position, and in a private interview, General Hamilton was decided upon as Secretary of the Treasury. Mr. Morris was a prominent member of the Con- vention which framed the Constitution of the United States, and, on its adoption was chosen a Senator in Congress. At the end of the term he declined a re-election, and with it closed his distin- tinguished public life. BENJAMIN RUSH Was born in Berberry, Pennsylvania, December 24, 1745. He entered Princeton College in 1759, and when sixteen years old took his degree. After studying medicine in Philadelphia, he visited Europe, attending there the best hospitals and medical institutions, and returned home in, 1768, bearing with him a di- ploma conferred on him at Edinburgh, and the title '* Doctor of Medicine." He commenced practice in Philadelphia with the greatest success, and rapidly gained a reputation for medical skill. Dr. Rush was elected to Congress in 1776, and signed the Decla- ration. In 1793 the yellow fever began its fatal worhein Phila- dephia. Dr. Rush remained at his post, acting the part of the Good Samaritan, displaying a self-sacrificing devotion to the wel- fare of the community. " I will remain, if I remain alone," was his motto, and nobly did he act upon it. — He died on the nine- teenth of April, 1813, at the age of sixty -seven years. JOHN MORTON, Of Swedish descent, was born near Philadelphia in 1724. He re- ceived a good education, and at an early age showed a proficiency in study quite remarkable. In 1764 he entered public life, being chosen a Justice of the Peace, a member of the General Assem- bly of Pennsylvania, and a Speaker of the House. He was a 23 delegate in 1765 to the " Stamp Act Congress," and in 1766 High Sheriif of the county where he resided. In 1774-1776 he was a member of the General Congress, in which latter year he signed the Declaration. He exhibited profound talents in every office he sustained, and a wonderful activity in labor. Mr. Morton died in April, 1777, in the fifty-fourth year of his age, near the eve of our great national deliverance. GEORGE CLYMER Was born in Philadelphia in 1739. He entered early on a com- mercial life, and continued in the same until 1782. In 1775 he was appointed by Congress one of the continental treasurers, and in 1776 elected to the General Congress, and signed the Declaration. In 1782 he united with Robert Morris in establishing a bank in Philadelphia, and became one of its directors. lie also, in com- pany with Edward Rutledge, visited the South to procure funds for government use, and on his return removed his family to Princeton, New Jersey. He was a member of the Pennsylvania Legislature, and facilitated the adoption of many wise measures, one of which, the penitentiary system, entitles him to lasting re- membrance. Mr. Clymer was a member of the Convention for framing a Federal Constitution, and was appointed Supervisor of the revenue for the State of Pennsylvania. In 1796 he aided in negotiating a treaty with the Indians in Georgia, which was his last public act. His death occurred on the twenty-fourth of Janu- ary, 1813, aged seventy-four years. JAMES SMITH Was born in Ireland in 1720, emigrating to this country when but a child. His early education was excellent, and his intellect mature in mere boyhood. He chose the law for a profession, and removed westward in Pennsylvania, settling in a wilderness, where he found no rivals in his profession and few dealers in his trade. He finally became a resident of York, and married a Miss Amos of Newcastle, Delaware. In the beginning of our national strug- gle, Mr. Smith cordially acted with the Patriots, and warmly es- poused their cause. He was chosen a delegate to the Pennsylva- nia Convention, which met in 1775, and acted on several import- ant committees. Afterwards he became a member of the General Congress and signed the great Declaration. In 1776 Mr. Smith declined a re-election to Congress, but finally obeyed the voice of 24 duty, and resumed his seat. The next year he vacated it, to re- sume his professional business and to serve a term in the Pennsyl- vania Legislature. He died on the eleventh day of July, 1806, at the patriarchal age of ninety years. GEORGE TAYLOE- Was born in Ireland in 1716 and came to this country when twenty years of age. After a short apprenticeship in an iron manufac- tory at Durham, Pennsylvania, he erected, out of funds brought him in a matrimonial alliance, large iron works at Lehigh, North- ampton County, Pa. Acquiring an immense popidarity by his business talents and gentlemanly qualities, he was elected to the Provincial General Assembly in 1764, where he served for five con- secutive years. In 1775 he was sent to the Provincial Congress, and was appointed on the committee to draw up instructions for the delegates to the General Congress which convened in May of the Fame year. These instructions prohibited the Delegates of Pennsylvania from favoring a separation from the mother country; but the current of public opinion was so strongly in favor of inde- pendence, that in June following the prohibition was removed, and the delegates left unlrammeled in their future action. After serving one year in Congress he retired from public life. His death occurred February 23, 1781. JAMES WILSON Was born in Scotland and emigrated to this country in 1766. His first business was that of a teacher in Philadelphia, and sub- sequently the legal profession became his choice. In 1775 he was chosen a member of the General Congress, and retained the ofiice until 1777. As Colonel of a regiment in his State in 1774, he ad- ed much to the strength of the militia, and showed considerable skill in military tactics. In 1778 he formed a treaty with the Indians of Pennsylvania. In 1780 he was appointed Advocate- General of the French nation in the United States, and was re-ap- pointed in 1781. In 1782 he was chosen again a member of Congress, and counsellor in the difficulty between Pennsylvania and Connecticut concerning the Wyoming domain. In 1786 he again took his place in Congress, and formed one of the Conven- tion for drafting a Federal Constitution, also of the Pennsylvania Convention of 1788. The President appointed Mr. Wilson in 1789 one of the Judges of the Supreme Court. He died the twenty- eighth day of August, 1798, aged fifty-six years. 25 GEORGE ROSS AVas born in New Castle, Delaware, in 1730. After receiving a liberal education, he entered upon the practice of law, at the age of twenty-one, and established himself at Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Mr. Ross was elected a member of the Pennsylvania Assembly of 1768 and re-elected for successive years. He was chosen to the General Congress in 1774-77 inclusive, and signed the Declara- tion on the second of August, 1776. He was prominent in his mediation with the Indian tribes, and universally esteemed as a public philanthropist. In 1799 Mr. Ross was appointed a Judge of the Court of Admiralty for Pennsylvania, in which office he continued to the close of his life. Mr. Ross was among the first who advocated resistance to the unjust acts of the home govern- ment, and although extremely moderate in expressina: his opinions, was at the same time among the most decided and uncompromis- ing in his demands for a redress of the grievances. He enjoyed the unmeasured respect and confidence of the people to the time of his death, which event occurred in July, 1780. C^SAR RODNEY Was born at Dover, Delaware, in 1730. His parents were of Eng- lish descent and of high position. On the death of his father, Mr. Rodney inherited the paternal estate and settled upon it. He was a member of the "Stamp Act Congress," of 1765, of the Provincial Assembly in 1769, and speaker of the latter until 1774. He took his seat in the General Congress of 1774, and acted on the committee for drawing up a Declaration of Rights. In 1776 he was re-elected to Congress and appointed Brigadier-General of his Province. 1777 he was appointed a Judge of the Suprerne Court, which honor he declined. He was very active as a mili- tary officer, and successful in his encounters with the enemy, whom he defeated at various points. No Colony was more faith- ful and devoted to the Revolutionary cause than Delaware, and no member of the ever memorable Congress which adopted the De- claration was more zealous and unfaltering in its maintenance than Cfesar Rodney. He suffered many years from an incurable disease, which terminated in 1783. GEORGE READ Was born in Maryland in 1734 of Irish parentage. He enjoyed every advantage of wealth and influence, and after completing 26 his education, at the age of seventeen, began the s*udy of law with a barrister in Philadelphia, and was admitted to the bar in 1753; settling in 1754 at New Castle, Delaware, where lie com- menced practice. At the age of twenty-nine Mr. Read was ap- pointed Attorney General for the " lower counties on the Dela- ware," of Kent, Sussex, and Newcastle. In 1774 he was elected to the Continental Congress, and in 1775 a member of the General Assembly of Delaware, to which office he was re-elected for seve- ral successive years. In 1774 he was a member of the General Congress, aa also in 1775 and 1776. He signed and earnestly maintained the Declaration of Independence and was President of the Delaware Convention for forming a State Constitution. Mr. Read was chosen Chief Justice of his native State in 1793 — which station he continued to occupy up to the autumn of 1798, when a sudden illness closed his life. THOMAS McKEAN Was born in New London, Pennsylvania, in 1734. He was asso- ciated with George Read at a school of the Rev. Dr. Allison's, and like him adopted the law as a profession. At twenty-one he was admitted to the bar, and in 1756 appointed a Deputy Attor- ney General of his Province. In 1757 was admitted to practise in the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, and was Clerk of the House of Assembly of Delaware. His more patriotic career in- cludes his action in the vStamp Act Congress of 1765, the General Congress of 1774-1783, and his signing the Declaration of 1776. He was elected Chief Justice of Pennsylvania for twenty succes- sive years, and Governor of the State for three terms or nine years. His last public act was to preside at a meeting of the citizens of Philadelphia at the time the city was threatened with an attack by the British. While in Congress, and upon the resignation of Oliver AVolcott, Mr. McKean was chosen President, and upon re- signing the position received the thanks of that body. He died June 24, 1817, aged eighty-four years. SAMUEL CHASE Was born in Somerset County, Maryland, April 17, 1741. At eighteen years of age he commenced the study of law at Anna- polis; at twenty he was admitted to practise before the Mayor's Court, and at twenty-two became a member of the bar. His le- gal career was a most successful one, and only surpassed by his labors in the cause of freedom. At the early age of twenty years 27 Mr. Chase was chosen a member of the Provincial Assembly, and in 1774 was elected as a delegate to the Continental Congress, besides acting on the " Committee of Correspondence" in his Colony. In 1776 Mr. Chase was appointed one of a committee with Franklin and Carroll, to go on a mission to Canada, for the purpose of efifecting a concurrence of that Province with the action of other English Colonies. He continued in Congress until 1778, meanwhile signing the Declaration of Independence. In 1796 Mr. Chase was appointed by Washington a Judge of the Supreme Court of the United States, which office he lield for fifteen years. This truly great and good man died June 19, 1811. THOMAS STONE Was born at the Pointoin Manor, Maryland in 1743. He had a good classical education, and, after the study of law for a few years, entered upon its practice in 1764 at Annapolis. His atten- tion was early directed to the American cause, and in obedience to the behests of duty he consented to serve in the General Con- gress of 1774 and 1775. He not only signed the Declaration, but aided in framing the Articles of Confederation, (adopted in 1777,) and in advocating their justice. Mr. Stone was an influen- tial member of Congress, (and once its President,) until 1785, when he retired to his home, Port Tobacco, where he died, aged forty-five years, on the fifth of October, 1787. The people of Maryland at first manifested more reluctance in a severance from the mother country than either of the other Colonies, and, as a consequence, Mr. Stone and his colleagues were debarred from acting favorably on the measure by the instructions of the Co- lonial Convention. These obstacles, however, were removed in June, 1776, and the Declaration at once received his most cordial support. WILLIAM PACA Was born at Wye Hall, Maryland, in 1740. He enjoyed every advantage, and entered Philadelphia College, where he graduated with high honor. He was admitted to the bar in 1760, and in 1761 was chosen a member of the Provincial Assembly. By his patriotic conduct in the Revolutionary period he gained a wide popularity with the people, who elected him to the Continental Congress of 1774-1778, advanced him to a Chief Justiceship of the United States Supreme Court in 1778, and to the Chief Judi- 28 ciary in Maryland. These duties he ably discharged, when in 1782 he was appointed Governor of Maryland. After a pervice of one year in this capacity he retired to private life, and died in 1799, aged sixty years. While in Congress, Mr. Paca was also prevented from voting for the Declaration of Independence until after the removal of Colonial Instructions in June, 1776, at which time he boldly advocated its adoption, and pledged Maryland for its maintenance. It is worthy of note that on the very day he gave his vote for approval he was again unanimously re-elected. CHARLES CARROLL Of Carrollton, one of the most prominent Revolutionary patriots, was of Irish descent, and born September 20, 1737. When eight years old he entered the Jesuit College of St. Omer, where he re- mained until 1751. Thence he was sent to Rheims, where he spent a year, and to the College of Louis le Grand, from which he graduated in 1754. He began the study of law at Bourges, and pursued the same branch of education at Paris and London. After eight years' residence in London he returned to Maryland, imme- diately espousing on his arrival the cause of the Colonies. Mr. Carroll was among the most influential members of Congress, and unhesitatingly consecrated his life and his immense fortune to the cause of Independence. It was his happiness to see his country rank among the tirst nations of the earth. — Mr. Carroll passed the last thirty years of his life in most happy retirement, and on the 14th day of November, 1832, after surviving several years all the others of the immortal band who signed the Declaration of Inde- pendence, he calmly passed from earth. GEORGE WYTHE Was born in Elizabeth County, Virginia, in 172G. After enjoy- ing good educational privileges, he entered upon the practice of law in 1757, attaining a high reputation for legal ability. Mr. Wythe was a member for some time of the House of Burgesses ir\ Virginia, and co-operated in that Assembly with Patrick Henry and others in their "noble" action in behalf of freedom. In 1775 he was elected to the General Congress, in 1786 to the National Convention for framing a Constitution, and he subsequently served two terms in the United States Senate. Mr. Wythe was an ex- ample of strict integrity and undoubted patriotism, and after a long life of usefulness died .June 8, 1806, aged eighty-one years. The event was received by the whole nation with the most pro- 29 found sorrow, which was heightened by the consideration that it resulted from poison, at the hands of a near relative, and who was tried for the act, but not convicted of the crime. EICHAKD HENEY LEE Was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia, January 20, 1732. His education was begun in England, at a schqpl in Wakefield, Yorkshire, and completed in the " Old Dominion." During his youth and early life he devoted himself to literary pursuits, and was distinguished for his scholarly attainments. He organized the first association in the Colonies opposed to the Crown, was one of the first " Committee of Correspondence," and a chief advocate of the cause of Independence. Mr. Lee was a delegate to the Congress of 1776, and first introduced a resolution for a separa- tion from the mother country. As a member of Congress he was most actively employed : being placed on the most important com- mittees and appointed to various offices. On his retirement from his seat in Congress, in 1784, the thanks of the House were pub- licly offered him, "for the faithful services he had rendered his country." He was appointed first United States Senator of Vir- ginia under the new Constitution, with which he closed his distin- guished public life. His death occurred June 19, 1794. BENJAMIN HAKKISON Was born in Berkley, Virginia, but the date of his birth is not certainly known. His ancestors were among the first colonial settlers emigrating to this country from England in 1640. Mr. Harrison took a partial course of study in William and Mary College, and began his political career as a member of the House of Burgesses in 1754, He was also elected speaker of the Assem- bly for many years. The royal Governor of the Province, per- ceiving in Mr. Harrison the qualities of a statesman, and the pro- mise of high attainments in life, oflered him at one time a seat in his executive council, which was peremptorily declined. Mr. Ha- rison was one of the delegates from Virginia to the Continental Congress of 1774, and signed the Declaration on the second of August, 1776. In 1782 he was elected Governor of Virginia, and after serving thus for two terms, he retired to private life. Being called again to the Speakership of the House of Burgesses, he re- sumed that oflace once more, and also the Governor's chair in 1791. He died during the same week, in April, 1791. m THOMAS'^NELSOX, Jr. Was born in Yorktown, Virfrinia, December 26, 1738. In his fifteenth year he was sent to England to be educated, and after a brief course of study with a private tutor entered Trinity College, Cambridge, having for his preceptor Dr. Porteus, afterwards Bishop of London. In 1761 he returned to America, and in 1774 made his first appearance in public life as a member of the House of Burgesses of Virginia. The same year he served as a delegate to the first Genial Convention of his State and to the General Congress. In Congress he was a zealous advocate of American freedom, " by deeds, not by words" He encouraged the formation of corps of volunteer militia in his own State, and himself com- manded a regiment, while Patrick Henry and Richard Lee had similar military posts. Mr. Nelson succeeded Jefferson as Gover- nor of Virginia, and in the siege at Yorktown, headed a body of militia and bombarded even his own mansion, in which the British officers were then domiciled. On the fourth of January, 1789, he died, aged fifty years. FRANCIS LIGHTFOOT LEE, A younger brother of Richard Henry Lee, was born in West- moreland County, Virginia, October 14, 1734. He was educated under the direction of a Scottish clergyman, the Rev. Dr. Craig, and attained a noble distinction as a scholar. Inspired with the same patriotic views as those of his brother, he was early called into public life, and in 1765 was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses. He continued in the same until 1772, when he married and removed to Richmond. He represented that county in the House until 1775, when he was elected to the Continental Congress. In 1779 he resigned that office and returned to his home. His public career was not distinguished for anything great in speech or brilliant in action, but for its exemplary indus- try, sound judgment, and unwavering principle. The last days of Mr. Lee were not spent in the accumulation of wealth, but in the liberal bestowment of his fortune upon the poor, and every good enterprise. He died in April, 1797, aged sixty-three years. CARTER BRAXTON Was born at Newington, King and Queen's County, Virginia, September 10, 1736. He was educated at William and Mary Col- lege, and after marrying a Miss Robinson, of Middlesex County, 31 proceeded to England. In 1760 he returned to America, and married a second wife, the daughter of the royal Receiver General of Customs in Virginia. Despite his alliance with royalty by mar- riage, Mr. Braxton was one of the first to favor the cause of Ame- rican freedom. He was present in the House of Burgesses in 1765, there heard the resolutions and speech of Patrick Henry respecting the Stamp Act, and boldly voted in their support. He was also a member of the Virginia Convention, and in 1769, one of the "eighty-nine" who recommended, on the dissolution of that Assembly, a Convention of the people at Williamsburgh. This Convention met and elected delegates to the Continental Congress, of whom Mr. Braxton was one. He also succeeded Peyton Ran- dolph in Congress in 1775, and signed the Declaration the next term. He died October 10, 1797. WILLIAM HOOPER Was born in Boston, Massachusetts, June 17, 1742. He graduated at Harvard College in 1760, and afterwards studied law with James Otis. In 1767 he removed to North Carolina, and rose rapidly in his profession, standing at the head of the bar in that State. In the outset of his public career, he was branded as a royalist, but soon gained a reputation for disinterested patriotism, and was ad- vanced to many public offices. In 1773 he was elected to the Provincial Assembly of North Carolina, and in 1774 to the Con- tinental Congress. He was re-elected in 1775 and 1776 ; in the latter year signing the Declaration. Like all the signers, Mr. Hooper became exceedingly obnoxious to the British, who sought every opportunity to molest him and his family. After the war had ceased, Mr. Hooper resumed the practice of his profession, and withdrew from public life. In 1786 he was appointed by Congress a Judge of the Federal Court established for the adjudi- cation of the dispute between Massachusetts and New York. He died in October, 1790, aged forty-eight years. JOSEPH HEWES, Of Quaker parentage, was born in Kingston, N. J., in 1730. After studying at Princeton College, he entered upon commercial life in Philadelphia. At the age of thirty years he removed to Edenton, N. C, and established himself in business in which he amassed a large fortune. In 1763 he was elected to the Legisla- ture of North Carolina, and re-elected for successive terms. He was foremost in calling a Convention of the Colony for electing 32 delegates to a General Congress, was chosen a representative in that body, and, although attended with great pecuniary loss, was a prominent member on the committee for drawing up the Declaration of Rights. He was re-elected to Congress in 1775 and 1776 — voting for and signing the Declaration of Independence. In 1779 he again took his seat in Congress, remaining however, but a few months. He died November 10, 1779, in the fiftieth year of his age. His death occurred at Washington, and his fu- neral was attended by a number of governmental dignitaries and personal frinds. JOHN PENN Was born in Carolina County, Virginia, May 17, 1741. His early education was of a meagre sort, and not until he was eighteen years of age did he enjoy the privilege of study. The celebrated Edmund Pendleton then offered him the free use of his library, and assisted him in his efforts to obtain general education. So in- dustrious was Penn in intellectual pursuits that he soon entered upon a course of legal studies, and at the age of twenty-one was admitted to the bar. He possessed a strong natural genius and oratorical power, which, with close attention to the study of law, secured for him a prominent position in his profession. In 1774 he removed to North Carolina, and in 1775 was elected a dele- gate to the Continental Congress, where he remained three suc- cessive years, signed the Declaration, and was very influential as a member. He was intrusted with the defence of his State in 1780 against the inroads of the British troops, performing the duty with great skill and credit. Mr. Penn retired from public life in 1787. His death occurred in September, 1788. EDWARD RUT LEDGE Was born in Charleston, S. C, in November, 1749. After receiv- ing a good education, he commenced the study of law, and at the age of twenty entered as a student at the Inner Temple, London, the scene of the forensic efforts of such legal giants as Mansfield, Chatham, and Camden. In 1772 he returned to Charleston, and was admitted to the bar the next year. At the age of twenty-five he was elected to the Continental Congress, and re-elected in 1775 and 1776. He was associated with Richard Henry Lee and John Adams in preparing a prefatory preamble and recommendation of Congress to the Colonies to form permanent governments, and also afiixed his signature to the Declaration. In 1776 he 38 served on a commission with Franklin and Adams, to meet Lord Howe at Staten Island. Mr. Rutledge took up arms in 1779, and the year following headed a corps of artillery. In 1794 he was elected to the United States Senate, and in 1798 Governor of his native State. Mr. Rutledge died on the twenty-third of January, 1809. THOMAS HEYWARD Was born in St. Luke's Parish, South Carolina, in 1746. He had every advantage in education, and on its completion entered upon a course of legal study. In 1766 he visited England, there finish- ing his studies, and on his return practised his profession. From the first he espoused the patriotic cause, and promoted its advance. In 1775 he was elected to the General Congress, and while a mem- ber signed the Declaration. In 1778 he left Congress and ac- cepted the appointment of Judge of the criminal and civil courts of South Carolina. While Judge he held a military commission, and was a chief actor in the skirmish at Beaufort in 1780. In the skirmish he received a wound, which left its mark upon him through life. After the capture of Charleston, he was taken pri- soner by Sir Henry Clinton, and sent to St. Augustine, Florida, where he remained a year. On his release and return home he re- sumed his seat on the bench, and continued to discharge the duties of that oflice until 1782. His death occurred in March, 1809, aged sixty-three years. THOMAS LYNCH, Jr. Was born in Prince George's Parish, South Carolina, August 5, 1749. At the age of thirteen he was sent to England for an edu- cation, and pursued his studies there at Eaton School and Cam- bridge University. On leaving college, he began the study of law in the Inner Temple, London. In 1772 he returned to South Ca- rolina, and entered upon his profession. In 1773 he addressed an assembly of patriots convened at Charleston to consider the rela- tions existing between the Colonies and Britain. The people, won by his eloquence and impressed by his devoted patriotism, at once elected him to many civil oflices of trust, and in 1775 oflTered him a captain's commission in the First Provincial Regiment. The following year, succeeded his father in the General Congress, and signed the Declaration. Owing to ill health, he remained but a short time in Congress, and soon after sailed with his wife, in the hope of it3 recovery, for the West Indies. The vessel in which he sailed was supposed to have foundered at sea, and that all on board perished. AKTHUR MIDDLETON Was born at Middleton Place, South Carolina, in 1743. At twelve years of age he was sent to Hackney School in England ; at fourteen to a school in W^estminster, and at eighteen to the University of Cambridge, where he graduated in 1765. After a short stay in England and two years' travel on the continent, he returned home, but not to remain permanently. A year after he made a second tour of Europe, and returning, took his father's estate as a residence. But he was not long allowed the enjoyments of home and the pleasures which wealth confers, being soon called into public life and to scenes of strife. In 1775 he was appointed on the '' Committee of safety" in his State; in 1776 on a commit- tee to form a government for South Carolina, and the same year elected to the General Congress at Philadelphia. He continued in Congress until 1777, and was elected Governor of South Caro- lina the next year, which honor he declined. To the close of 1787 he represented his county in the State Legislatuse, and died January 1, 1788, aged forty-five years. BUTTON GWINNETT Was born in England in 1732. He was engaged in business in Bristol till 1770, when he emigrated to South Carolina, and in 1772 to Georgia. He took an active interest in the American cause from the first, and subsequently became one of its warmest advocates. In 1775 ho was elected to the Continental Congress, and re-elected the next year, when he signed the Declaration. In 1777 was chosen a member of the Convention for forming a Fede- ral Constitution, the chief outlines of which instrument are attri- buted to Mr. Gwinnett, who afterwards succeeded Mr. Bullock as President of the Convention. After the adjournment of this body, Mr. Gwinnett aspired to the ofiice of Brigadier General, but was defeated. The result was an alienation between Colonel Mcintosh, his rival, and himself. Mr. Gwinnett finally challenged his rival to a single combat. The parties met, shots were ex- changed, both were wounded, and Mr. Gwinnett mortally. Thus died the subject of this sketch at the age of forty-five, in the vigor of his manhood and usefulness. 85 LYMAN HALL Was born in Connecticut in 1721. He entered Yale College at the age of sixteen, and after graduating with the usual honors, com- menced the study of medicine. Mr. Hall removed to South Ca- rolina in 1752 — immediately after completing his medical studies — but the same year look up his permanent residence in Georgia, and entered at once upon a successful practice. He was among the first in his Colony who boldly denounced the home govern- ment, and for a long time stood almost alone in arousing the peo- ple to Eevolutionary resistance. A large portion of the people manifested opposition at first to adopting these extreme measures. The people of the Parish of St. John resolved to act independent- ly, and in 1775 elected Dr. Hall a delegate to the General Con- gress. Although not an accredited delegate of a Colony, he took his seat, with the unanimous vote of Congress, and soon ranked among its prominent members. Pie continued most of thetime in Congress until 1783, when he was elected Governor of his State. His death occurred the year following. GEORGE WALTON Was born in Frederick County, Virginia, in 1740. His early edu- cation was very limited, and at fourteen years he was apprenticed to a carpenter. His master opposed him in his desire after know- ledge, and only by the light of pine-torches in the midnight hour could he find opportunity for study. But this was well improved, and after finishing his legal studies in 1763, was admitted to his profession, in the Colony of Georgia, and in which he was emi- nently successful. In 1776 he was elected to the General Congress. Here he secured the confidence of his confederates, and was placed on several important committees, and also signed the Declaration. In 1778 he returned to Georgia and became colonel of a regiment. He entered the battalion of General Howe at Savannah, at the time of its siege, and was taken prisoner, but scon after released. In 1779 he was chosen Governor of his State, and in 1780 elected to Congress. After a few months' stay he returned to Georgia, was again elected its Governor, and in 1798 Senator in Congress. His death occurred February 2, 1804. >* ¥■ 36 THE BELL OF INDEPENDENCE. This bell, which will be found suspended above the vestibule entry, beneath the steeple, was cast by Messrs Pass and Stowe in Philadelphia early in the year 1753, from the metal of a bell cast in London, and which arrived in this city by the good ship Ma- tilda, Captain Budden, in August, 1752. This original bell was cracked before it came formally into use; the first casting from its metal was not fully satisfactory, and a second attempt produced the bell now shown, which was placed in the State House Steeple in June 1753, and is the one which actually announced the De- claration of Independence nearly a quarter of a century after its erection. This bell was emphatically the "Town Bell" for more than half a century. It was cracked in tolling the announcement of the death of a celebrated citizen. Its successor was cast by J. Wil- bank, of Philadelphia, and placed in the new steeple then just finished, September 11, 1828. It was taken down to give place to the one presented along with the Centennial Clock, by Mr. Henry Seybert, A.D. 1876.— The Wilbank bell is now on the Town Hall at Germantown. <« \