This Day In Founding Fathers History – 7 October 2013

This Day In Founding Fathers History – 7 October 2013

One notable birthday on this day in 1727, that of William Samuel Johnson of Connecticut. Johnson self-trained as a lawyer, opening practice in Stratford, allowing him to take on big clients from New York as well as Connecticut. He served in the Connecticut militia and in the state legislature. During the Revolution, Johnson had conflicting loyalties but decided to work for peace. He refused to attend the First Continental Congress, although he later attended in 1785-87, and played a major role in the Federal Convention where he signed the Constitution. After his political career, Johnson devoted his energy to being president of Columbia College. ₁

Another birthday on this day in 1728, that of Caesar Rodney of Delaware. Rodney was a soldier, judge, delegate to the Continental Congress, speaker of the Delaware Assembly, Governor of Delaware, and justice to the Delaware Supreme Court, among other offices and appointments. From the age of 27, Rodney spent 29 consecutive years in public office or appointed position. Rodney is known for his ride to Philadelphia to represent Delaware in the Continental Congress as they voted to declare independence from Britain. Rodney and Thomas McKean were in favor while George Read, the third delegate from Delaware, was opposed. He arrived at Independence Hall the day of the vote, with little time to spare, after covering 80 miles on horseback. That day he voted for independence and was a signatory of the Declaration of Independence. ₂

1 “William Samuel Johnson,” America’s Founding Fathers, archives.gov/exhibits/charters/constitution_founding_fathers_connecticut.html

_{2 “Caesar Rodney,” www.russpickett.com/history/rodnbio.htm}

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