- 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.
William Ellery
William Ellery was born at Newport, Rhode Island, December 22, 1727. He graduated at Harvard College in 1747, and studied law. He entered upon its practice in Newport, and soon acquired a high reputation for learning and ability.
He was a zealous patriot, and took an active part in the measures of resistance to British oppression. 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 1785, and was afterward appointed collector of the customs at Newport, which office he held until his death. He was a man of strong intellect and sound judgment, and was highly esteemed by his fellow-citizens.
He died February 15, 1820, in the ninety-third 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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