Signer of the US Constitution. A wealthy Maryland plantation owner he attended the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia as one of the oldest delegates and used his experience and wisdom to quietly influence the convention that provided a stronger governing document for the newly formed United States of America. Early in his career he held several positions in Maryland's colonial government, including a seat on the Governor's Royal Council, serving in the colony's upper legislative house, as well as presiding over her court of appeals. However, with the coming of the Revolution the wealthy statesman supported the Patriot movement citing the oppressive interference of the Parliament in colonial affairs. As President of Maryland's Council of Safety he helped organize the colony's militia from 1775 to 1776. He represented his home state in the Continental Congress from 1778 to 1782 and was president of Maryland's first Senate from 1777 to 1780. After the war he used his expertise obtained from successfully running "Stepney", his plantation estate, to lead his state in her recovery from post- war financial struggles. At the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, he was, along with his good friend Benjamin Franklin, considered an elder statesman of the group. Although he was not active in the daily grind of the convention he let his opinions be made known stating that the US needed to have a strong central government with a Congress empowered to tax. After the convention the aging public servant retired to his plantation near Annapolis, Maryland. Three years later he died.
Signer of the US Constitution. A wealthy Maryland plantation owner he attended the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia as one of the oldest delegates and used his experience and wisdom to quietly influence the convention that provided a stronger governing document for the newly formed United States of America. Early in his career he held several positions in Maryland's colonial government, including a seat on the Governor's Royal Council, serving in the colony's upper legislative house, as well as presiding over her court of appeals. However, with the coming of the Revolution the wealthy statesman supported the Patriot movement citing the oppressive interference of the Parliament in colonial affairs. As President of Maryland's Council of Safety he helped organize the colony's militia from 1775 to 1776. He represented his home state in the Continental Congress from 1778 to 1782 and was president of Maryland's first Senate from 1777 to 1780. After the war he used his expertise obtained from successfully running "Stepney", his plantation estate, to lead his state in her recovery from post- war financial struggles. At the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, he was, along with his good friend Benjamin Franklin, considered an elder statesman of the group. Although he was not active in the daily grind of the convention he let his opinions be made known stating that the US needed to have a strong central government with a Congress empowered to tax. After the convention the aging public servant retired to his plantation near Annapolis, Maryland. Three years later he died.
Bio by: Bigwoo
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