We all celebrated the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776 but it’s so much more than that. On that day, a small group of men dedicated themselves to a higher purpose, an ideal they believed in so greatly, they signed their name to its expression and in doing so put their very lives at risk. By signing the Declaration of Independence, these 56 men stood in direct defiance of the British government. They became marked men, and willingly so.
Of the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence:
The first, largest, and most famous signature is that of John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress. The youngest signer was Edward Rutledge (age 26). Benjamin Franklin (age 70) was the oldest. Two future presidents signed: John Adams (second President) and Thomas Jefferson (third President).
Five were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes burned to the ground. Two lost sons serving in the Revolutionary Army, and two more had sons captured. Nine fought and died in the Revolutionary War.
links:
Signers by State
Signers Trivia Quiz
