Oliver Wolcott

Oliver Wolcott was born in Windsor, Connecticut, December 1, 1726. He graduated at Yale College in 1747, and studied medicine. He afterward entered the military service, and was appointed a captain in the army raised to defend the northern frontier. He served with distinction, and at the close of the war returned to Litchfield, where he engaged in public affairs.

He was elected to the Legislature of Connecticut, and was appointed a judge of the Court of Common Pleas. He was also a member of the Committee of Safety, and in 1775 was appointed a commissioner to treat with the Indians. In 1776 he was elected a delegate to the Continental Congress, and was present at the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, to which he affixed his signature.

He continued in Congress until 1783, and was afterward appointed Governor of Connecticut, which office he held until his death. He was a man of strong intellect and sound judgment, and was highly esteemed for his public and private virtues.

He died December 1, 1797, in the seventy-second 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