Signer of US Constitution, Continental Congressman. He received a place in American history books as one of the first patriots of the United States. A member of the first graduating class, which is now the University of Pennsylvania, he left college to lead a life full of diverse career experiences including being a licensed clergyman, a professor of mathematics, a physician, a merchant and an author. As a member of the American Philosophical Society, he was commissioned to observe the movements of Mercury and Venus. Although he was a native New Englander, he returned from a trip to England in 1776 to settle in North Carolina. It was there that he became involved in politics. From 1779 to 1782, he was the surgeon-general for the North Carolina militia. From 1782 to 1785 and from 1787 to 1788, he served in the Continental Congress. It was in 1787 that he was sent as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention held in Philadelphia. He was a vocal participant pushing for representation, in the new nation's legislative branch, to be based on population, a position that would benefit the larger states. After the new government was established, the Federalist was elected to the First and Second Congresses representing his North Carolina district from 1790 to 1793. As a Congressman, he opposed the Jay Treaty, the whiskey tax and the establishment of the Bank of the United States. After serving two terms, he moved to New York City where he once again assumed his writing career. In the latter stages of his life, he published works on North Carolina history, the lightening rod, and the affects of the climate on the health of humans. Although out of politics, the Pennsylvania native continued to demonstrate concern for his fellow man by volunteering in an orphanage, a New York City hospital and for the humane society. He remained active in his scientific, literary and community service pursuits until his death.