- 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.
- March 7, 1835, 191 years ago — Death of Benjamin Tallmadge.
- March 11, 1731, 295 years ago — Birth of Robert Treat Paine, signer of the Declaration of Independence.
Introduction
The Centennial of American Independence is an event of the deepest interest to the people of the United States. It marks the completion of the first century of the existence of the Republic, and invites the citizens of the country to review the history of the past hundred years, and to consider the causes which have contributed to the growth and prosperity of the nation.
The history of the Republic is the history of the men who have made it what it is. It is the record of the lives and deeds of the great patriots and statesmen who have illustrated its annals. To know the history of the country, it is necessary to know the lives of these men. Their careers are full of instruction and encouragement. They teach us the value of patriotism, integrity, and ability, and show us how these qualities have been rewarded in the past.
The present volume is intended to furnish the reader with a series of sketches of the lives of the great men whose deeds illustrate the first century of American Independence. It is not a history of the country, but a record of the lives of its most illustrious citizens. It is designed to be a book for the people—a volume which shall be within the reach of all, and which shall present in a clear and concise manner the leading events in the lives of the men who have made the Republic what it is.
The author has endeavored to present the facts in each biography in a plain and simple style, avoiding all attempts at fine writing, and seeking only to tell the truth. The work has been prepared with great care, and the facts stated have been drawn from the most authentic sources.
It is hoped that the volume will be found useful and instructive, and that it will serve to increase the interest of the people in the history of their country, and to strengthen their attachment to the principles upon which the Republic is founded.
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
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