Those Who Stood Up and Signed Part 6
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.
Stephen Hopkins (3/07/1707-04/13/1785) was one of the oldest signers of the Declaration of Independence. He grew up and represented Rhode Island at the Continental Convention. He married into a Quaker family and with his brother, was successful in business. As was the case with most other signers, his success in business translated into political activities and positions. He became good friends with Benjamin Franklin and was elected Governor of Rhode Island in 1755. I am sure that Benjamin Franklin helped stoke Mr. Hopkins’ desires for independence despite the fact that he attempted to make peace with Britain through signing the Olive Branch Petition. At the signing of the Declaration of Independence he is quoted as saying, “My hand trembles, but my heart does not.”He retired to Rhode Island after and died soon after. In John Trumbull’s painting of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Hopkins is clearly visible in the rear, wearing a hat.
Francis Hopkinson (09/21/1737-05-09-1791) was a man who was highly educated and a lot of talents. He received an advanced degree from the College of Pennsylvania (which became the University of Pennsylvania). He failed as an attorney and as a businessman but found success in various government positions including as Customs Collector for Salem, New Jersey, Customs Commissioner for North America (in London, England), and as Customs Collector in Delaware, and as an Assemblyman for the New Jersey Royal Provincial Council. He represented New Jersey at the Continental Congresses. He was a treasurer of the Continental Loan Office in 1778. He also was a great songwriter and musician and made several other artistic contributions.
Jefferson, Thomas (04/13/1734-07/04/1826) We have already discussed Thomas Jefferson here at MenofValue.com (https://menofvalue.com/2017/01/04/devotional-14-thomas-jefferson/)
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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