I still remember how our Social Studies in high school drilled into our minds how the signers of the Declaration of Independence were risking their lives signing that document. That they were, yet they were not going to allow themselves to be bullied to by any music celebrity, actor, anyone who considered themselves “royalty”, or  anyone regardless of their religious beliefs, sexual preferences, country of origin or gender.

Much like their world, in today’s world, standing up for a certain political view can get you seriously injured or killed. Neither side has a monopoly on peace or love. If you dare defy an anti-Trump protester one can get seriously hurt, injured, tortured on Facebook, or killed. The events in Charlotte, NC have shown us that that evil organization, the KKK is still active too.

I want us to better understand these 56 men who were willing to risk everything for their country. So, in the following weeks, I am going to tell you about them, in alphabetical order mostly. I am not sure how many weeks it is going to take. I guess it will be based on how much I can actually find out about them as individuals.

Most of the biographical information will be taken from The Society of the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence which gives extensive bios of each of the signers. Here, I shall highlight some of the parts of their lives that showed their character and spirit.

Willim Ellery (12/22/1727-2/15/1820) was a man from Rhode Island. His father was very successful in business and he tutored William. William excellent penmanship was the ticket to success in many positions including deputy and assistant in the Colonial Assembly, judge of the county court, and deputy governor of Rhode Island. He fathered 17 children and outlived two wives. Obviously he was into multi-tasking. His staunch and indivualistic New England upbringing was the root of his disagreement with the English. He was one of only three founding fathers to live into his 90s.

William Floyd (12/17/1734-8/4/1821) was a practical man. His father died when he was 17, leaving him a substantial amount of farming land and young William to work it and turn a profit from it. Because of his inheritance and good management of it, he became involved in politics and was very prominent in Eastern Long Island. He held various positions and was also involved in the state militia. Following his practical nature, when he attended the 2nd Continental Congress, he rarely spoke. He served in the Long Island militia and the Continental Army and was well acquainted with George Washington. His family was chased out of their Long Island home and his wife eventually died from the fatigue of running. He remarried and moved to New York State where he died, just as quietly as he had lived.

Benjamin Franklin

(01/17-1706-8/4/1821)’s life has already been examined by us here at Men of Value. We know that he was a seeker and not an atheist or ant-theist as many would like to call him. He was truly a man of value.

Elbridge Gerry (07/17/1744-11/23/1814) was from a pious Massachusetts family of sea-farers. He graduated from Harvard University and became involved in local politics when there was a ban on the sale and consumption of tea. He used his abilities in writing and organizing to help the local government and the early rebels. He was an elected representative to the General Court where he met Samuel Adams and became a close friend of his. John Adams said of him,”If every Man here was a Gerry, the Liberties of America would be safe against the Gates of Earth and Hell”. After his political career he got married and since he had some time on his hands, he had nine children. His widow was the oldest living widow of the signers of the Declaration as she lived until 1849

Button Gwinnett (1735-5/15/1777)  was a British man who failed in various businesses before coming to the colonies in hopes of a better future. He was successful in trading and put down roots in Georgia. He became good friends with Lyman Hall, another signer of the Declaration. In his connections to the Continental Army, he met and became bitter enemies with s man named Lachlan McIntosh who was appointed a Brigadier General in the Continental Army. However, he went back to Georgia and was very successful in many local and state positions. He eventually lost his life to Lachlan McIntosh in a duel in 1777.

Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

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