The Signers of the Declaration of Independence: A Biographical and Genealogical Reference - Softcover

Barthelmas, Della Gray

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0786417048 ISBN 13: 9780786417049

Publisher: McFarland, 2003

Synopsis

None of the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776 could have imagined a few years earlier that they would be part of such an event. All had been loyal British subjects earlier in their lives, and several had held British government posts in their home colonies. In 1743, Samuel Adams became one of the first to advocate for independence and he was gradually joined by others as English control became increasingly oppressive. A biography and genealogical history of the 56 signers, and of Secretary Charles Thomson who attended all meetings and witnessed the original broadside with John Hancock but did not actually sign it, are presented in this unique reference work. Each of the 57 entries open with a biography of the man, focusing on his education, political career and the events that led him to advocate for independence, based in large part on contemporary sources. This is followed by a narrative genealogical history, providing names, birth and death dates, marriages, children and other details of the signer's ancestors. Photographs of the men are included.

About this title

About the Author:

A former genealogical consultant, Della Gray Barthelmas now lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Review:

"should be found in every genealogical library"--Booklist; "recommended"--Choice; "impressive.... A valued contribution to any school or public library"--Midwest Book Review; "concise biographical and genealogical information...attractive, informative, and well written"--ARBA; "unique...well-written and extensively researched reference for students of early American History and for genealogists as well. It is recommended for both public and academic libraries"--Catholic Library World; "well-written and systematically organized...a joy for the general reader who wants to have a more intimate knowledge of the American independence movement and many of its principal actors"--History: Reviews of New Books.

About this edition

• Publisher: McFarland
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0786417048
• ISBN 13: 9780786417049
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 340