- 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.
John Witherspoon
John Witherspoon was born in Scotland, in the year 1722. He was educated at the University of Edinburgh, and entered the ministry of the Presbyterian Church. He was distinguished for his learning and piety, and was chosen President of the College of New Jersey, now Princeton College.
He came to America in 1768, and entered upon the duties of his office. He took an active part in the measures adopted to resist the encroachments of the British government, and was elected a member of the Continental Congress.
He signed the Declaration of Independence, and rendered important services in securing the adoption of that measure. He continued in Congress until 1782, and was afterward elected to the Legislature of New Jersey.
He resumed his duties as President of the College, and continued in that position until his death, which occurred in the year 1794.
Source:
McCabe, James D. The Centennial Book of American Biography. Philadelphia and Chicago: P. W. Ziegler & Co., 1876. Patriot Echoes Archive
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