- 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.
George Wythe
George Wythe was born in Elizabeth City County, Virginia, in 1726. He received a classical education, studied law, and became one of the most learned jurists of his time. He was a member of the House of Burgesses and a firm advocate of colonial rights.
He was elected a delegate to the Continental Congress in 1775, and was present at the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Though he left Philadelphia before the formal signing, his name was affixed to the document by special arrangement, making him one of the signers.
Wythe was a mentor to many prominent statesmen, including Thomas Jefferson, and was deeply respected for his scholarship and integrity. He later served as Chancellor of Virginia and helped codify the laws of the new republic.
He died June 8, 1806, in Richmond, Virginia, in the eightieth year of his age.
Source:
Lossing, Benson J. The Lives of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence. New York: A.S. Barnes & Co., 1855. Patriot Echoes Archive
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