Continental Congressman, Revolutionary War Militia Brigadier General, United States Constitution Signer. In history he has become popularly referred to as the "Penman of the Revolution" for his articles titled "Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania" and "Declaration of the Causes of Taking Up Arms." He served as a member of the Assembly of the "Lower Counties," as Delaware was then called, in 1760, and served in the Pennsylvania State Assembly from 1762 through 1764. In 1765 served as a Delegate to the Stamp Act Congress representing Pennsylvania and from 1774 to 1776 was a member of the Continental Congress also representing Pennsylvania. After rejecting declaring independence from Great Britain, he served as a Brigadier General in the Pennsylvania State Militia during the Revolutionary War. In 1777 was again appointed to the Continental Congress, however this time to represent Delaware. Also in 1777 he freed all his slaves at his Delaware home "Poplar Grove" which was considered an unthinkable act during this time. On November 13, 1781 was elected Governor of the State of Delaware and served until November 4, 1782 at which time he was elected Governor of Pennsylvania. Served as Governor or Pennsylvania until 1785. Later served in the Delaware State Senate from 1792 through 1792.
Continental Congressman, Revolutionary War Militia Brigadier General, United States Constitution Signer. In history he has become popularly referred to as the "Penman of the Revolution" for his articles titled "Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania" and "Declaration of the Causes of Taking Up Arms." He served as a member of the Assembly of the "Lower Counties," as Delaware was then called, in 1760, and served in the Pennsylvania State Assembly from 1762 through 1764. In 1765 served as a Delegate to the Stamp Act Congress representing Pennsylvania and from 1774 to 1776 was a member of the Continental Congress also representing Pennsylvania. After rejecting declaring independence from Great Britain, he served as a Brigadier General in the Pennsylvania State Militia during the Revolutionary War. In 1777 was again appointed to the Continental Congress, however this time to represent Delaware. Also in 1777 he freed all his slaves at his Delaware home "Poplar Grove" which was considered an unthinkable act during this time. On November 13, 1781 was elected Governor of the State of Delaware and served until November 4, 1782 at which time he was elected Governor of Pennsylvania. Served as Governor or Pennsylvania until 1785. Later served in the Delaware State Senate from 1792 through 1792.
Bio by: Russ Pickett
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