- 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.
Work Title: Rufus King: American Federalist
Convention figure, long Senate service, diplomacy, and anti‑slavery positions in Missouri debates.
ISBN 9780807811023.
Rufus King
Early Life and Education
Rufus King was born on March 24, 1755, in Scarborough, Massachusetts (now Maine). He graduated from Harvard College in 1777 and studied law under Theophilus Parsons. King’s intellect and eloquence quickly earned him recognition in legal and political circles.
Revolutionary and Constitutional Service
King served in the Massachusetts legislature and was elected to the Continental Congress in 1784. He was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1787, where he supported a strong federal government and helped draft key provisions of the Constitution. His advocacy for national unity and legal clarity made him a respected voice among the Founders.
Diplomatic Career
President George Washington appointed King as Minister to Great Britain in 1796, a post he held until 1803. He worked to maintain peaceful relations and protect American commercial interests during a volatile period in Anglo-American diplomacy. His tenure was marked by professionalism and restraint.
Senate Leadership and Anti-Slavery Advocacy
King served multiple terms in the U.S. Senate representing New York. Though a Federalist, he earned bipartisan respect for his integrity and statesmanship. He was a vocal opponent of slavery’s expansion, arguing against its spread into new territories and advocating for gradual emancipation.
Final Years and Legacy
King ran unsuccessfully for Vice President and President but remained influential in national affairs. He died on April 29, 1827. His legacy includes his constitutional contributions, diplomatic service, and principled stand against slavery—marking him as a statesman of enduring moral clarity.
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
Founders:
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