- 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.
Thomas Lynch Jr.
Thomas Lynch Jr. was born in Prince George Parish, South Carolina, August 5, 1749. He was educated in England, studying at Eton and Cambridge, and later trained in law at the Middle Temple. He returned to South Carolina in 1772 and soon entered public life.
In 1776, while his father was serving in the Continental Congress, Lynch Jr. was elected to join him as a delegate. When his father became ill, Thomas Lynch Jr. took his place and was present at the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, to which he affixed his signature.
He was one of the youngest signers and the only one whose father was also elected to Congress. After signing, his health declined, and he sought recovery abroad. Tragically, he was lost at sea in 1779 while sailing to the West Indies, and was never heard from again.
He died at sea in his thirtieth year, leaving behind a legacy of youthful patriotism and sacrifice.
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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