George Clymer

Early Life and Commercial Background

George Clymer was born on March 16, 1739, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Orphaned at a young age, he was raised by his uncle and trained in commerce. He became a successful merchant and a vocal critic of British taxation, aligning early with the patriot cause.

Revolutionary Leadership

Clymer was elected to the Continental Congress and signed both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution—one of only a few men to do so. He helped organize resistance to British policies and worked to unify Pennsylvania’s political factions during the Revolution.

Financial and Legislative Service

Clymer served on committees overseeing wartime finance and supply. After the war, he was elected to the first U.S. Congress, where he supported fiscal responsibility and federal authority. He also served as a revenue collector and helped stabilize the young republic’s economy.

Advocacy and Final Years

Clymer was a trustee of the University of Pennsylvania and supported education and civic improvement. He retired to private life but remained active in public discourse. He died on January 23, 1813, leaving behind a legacy of pragmatic patriotism and institutional stewardship.

Source:
McCabe, James D. The Centennial Book of American Biography: Embracing the Lives of the Great Men Whose Deeds Illustrate the First 100 Years of American Independence. Philadelphia and Chicago: P. W. Ziegler & Co., 1876. Internet Archive