Second Week of Preparing Appendix for Jefferson’s Masterpiece

The delegates to the Second Continental Congress who voted for American independence and signed the Declaration of Independence were a remarkable group of men. I am learning just how outstanding they were as I prepare their biographical sketches for the appendix to Jefferson’s Masterpiece.

It is unfortunate that many of their names are not well known. But what they accomplished during the spring and summer of 1776 in Philadelphia is forever recorded in history.

Here are some facts I would like to share with you:

• Nine signers were not born in America.
• Eighteen signers were merchants or businessmen.
• Fourteen signers were farmers.
• Four signers were doctors.
• Twenty-two signers were lawyers.
• Forty-two signers served in their colonial legislatures.
• Two signers were members of the clergy, only one was active.
• Seventeen signers served in the military during the American Revolution.
• Fifteen signers participated in their states’ constitutional conventions.
• Fifteen signers signed the Articles of Federation
• Six signers signed the United States Constitution.
• Two signers signed the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Federation and the U.S. Constitution.
• Thirteen signers became governors of their new states.
• Eighteen signers served in their state legislatures.
• Sixteen signers became state and federal judges.
• Seven signers became U.S. Congressmen and six became U.S. Senators.
• Two signers became Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court.
• Three signers became Vice President of the United States
• Two signers became President of the United States.
• Five signers helped to establish colleges and universities.

Due to space requirements, the biographical sketches I am preparing only provide the highlights of their careers that directly related to the founding of the United States of America. I expect to complete this project early this week.

I appreciate your interest in Jefferson’s Masterpiece,
Dennis