- March 6, 1809, 217 years ago — Death of Thomas Heyward Jr..
- March 6, 1724, 302 years ago — Birth of Henry Laurens, President of the Continental Congress.
- March 7, 1707, 319 years ago — Birth of Stephen Hopkins, signer of the Declaration of Independence.
- March 7, 1699, 327 years ago — Birth of Susanna Boylston Adams, mother of John Adams.
Stephen Hopkins
HOPKINS, Stephen, signer of the Declaration of Independence, born in Providence, R.I., 7 March, 1707; died there, 13 July, 1785.
He was largely self-taught and became a successful merchant and public servant. Hopkins served as speaker of the Rhode Island assembly and was elected governor nine times between 1755 and 1767.
He was a delegate to the Albany Congress in 1754 and later to the Continental Congress, where he signed the Declaration of Independence. Despite a tremor in his hand, he declared, “My hand trembles, but my heart does not.”
Hopkins was a strong advocate for colonial unity and liberty. He also published essays and pamphlets, including a notable work on slavery that reflected his evolving views.
He is remembered for his leadership, intellect, and unwavering commitment to American independence.
Source:
Wilson, James Grant, and John Fiske, eds. Appleton’s Cyclopædia of American Biography. New York: D. Appleton & Co., 1887. Patriot Echoes Archive
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