CHARLES CARROLL, Of Carrollton, the longest surviver of the signers of the declaration of independence, was born at Anna poJis, Md. Sept. 20, 1737 ; was elected to the convention of Maryland, July 18, 1776, presented his credentials to congress, and on the 28 Aug. signed the declaration. In 1778, he retired from congress, and took part in the councils of his native state, until the constitution went into operation, when he was elected senator from Maryland, and took his seat, April 30, 1789; at the expiration of his term, he was re-elected, and in 1801 quitted public life, since which he has passed thirty years in serenity and happiness. He then lived principally at his farm, and occasionally with the younger branch of his family in the city of Baltimore. Mr. Carroll was an orator; his eloquence was of the smooth, gentle, satisfactory kind, delighting all, and convincing many; he never seemed fatigued with his labours, nor faint with his exertions; his blood and judgment were so commingled, that his highest efforts were as easy and natural as if engaged in ordinary duties. Died Nov. 14, 1832. ABRAHAM CLARK, Was born in Elizabethtown, New Jersey, Feb. 15, 1726. His education was miscellaneous, and he was self taught. He was a civil engineer; and also acted as the village lawyer, as far as advising on all matters of ordinary business, such as conveying lands, or settling estates. By this course of business, and his integrity, he became popular in his neighbourhood. He was sent a delegate to the continental congress in 1776, and signed the declaration of independence, He BIOGRAPHIES OF THE SIGNERS OF THE 55 afterwards took a part in all the politics of the day in his native state, until his death, which happened suddenly in the month of June, 1794, aged 68. He was universally esteemed as a patriot and a man of sound mind, possessing honest feelings, and a just sense of duty. Was born in Philadelphia in 1736. He was left an orphan, and brought up by his uncle, who gave him a good education. After going through his studies, he entered his uncle's counting room, but never be came a thorough merchant, as he preferred general science and literature, to the details of mercantile business. On the great question of colonial liberty, Mr. Clymer took a decided part, and was a warm and devoted patriot. In 1776, he was sent to congress, and affixed his name to the memorable instrument which declared us independent. The next year he was again chosen a member of congress and in 1780 was re-elected to that body, and was also elected a member of the legislature of his native state. He died Jan. 24, 1813, in the 74th year of his age. SAMUEL CHASE, Was born in Maryland, on the 17th of April 1741. He received a good classical education in Baltimore. after which, he studied the law, and settled himself in his profession at Annapolis, where he soon became distinguished. In 1774, he was chosen a member of the continental congress in which station he continued several years. Here he signed the declaration of independence, which he not only voted for, but he also brought over many to this measure who had previously been opposed to it. In 1786, he removed from Annapolis to Baltimore, where he had a wider field for his professional exertions. In 1791, he was appointed chief justice of Maryland; and in 1796, an associate judge of the supreme court of the United States, which office he held for fifteen years. In 1804, he was impeached for misconduct, but was acquitted by a constitutional number of his judges. He died on the 19th of June, 1811, in the 70th year of his age. WILLIAM ELLERY, Was born at Newport, Rhode Island; Dec. 22d, 1727. He was educated at Cambridge college, and graduated in 1747. He then commenced the study of the law, and practised with success in his native town. He was early distinguished as a son of liberty, and took a part in all those preliminary transactions which led to the revolution. He was sent to the continental congress in 1776, and was conspicuous in that body, particularly on all maritime and commercial affairs. Although Mr. Ellery shared in the glories of the revolutionary conflict, he still partook of its distresses, for his house was consumed and his property destroyed, by the invaders of his native town; this he bore with becoming magna nimity. He continued a member of congress until 1785. During this period, he was also a judge of the supreme court of Rhode Island. When the federal constitution was adopted, he was made collector of the port of Newport, which situation he held until his decease. He remained in office perhaps longer than any other man who ever held a public trust in BIOGRAPHIES OF THE SIGNERS OF THE 57 this country. This venerable patriot expired on Feb. 15, 1820, in the 924 year of his age. WILLIAM FLOYD, Was born on Long Island, New York, Dec. 17, 1734. He was bred in opulence, but his education was not strictly attended to. He early took a decided part in the revolutionary contest; and as he was popular on Long Island, and extensively known in other parts of the state, he rapidly advanced in public life. He was in the continental congress in 1774, and continued there until after the declaration of independence. He suffered severely in his fortune during the contest, as the British officers took pos session of his mansion house after the American army left Long Island, and kept it during the war. When Mr. Floyd was not in congress, he was generally employed in some branch of the state governTM ment. Our revolutionary struggle over, he moved to the banks of the Mohawk, and changed a forest into a fruitful field. He was active to the last, enjoying good health, and a green old age. He died Aug. 4, 1821, in the 87th year of his age. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, Was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on the 17th of January, 1706. After spending a few years in a public school, in that town, he was bound to his elder brother, who was a printer, and publisher of a newspaper. Benjamin became soon more distinguished than his master, which caused disturbances between them, that ended in a separation, when he was about 17 years old. At this age, his mind was wonderfully mature, for many pieces written by him, were attributed to the first men of that period. In order to improve himself, he read every book of merit he could procure, and particularly translations of the classics from which he derived much instruction. After leaving his brother, he journeyed to New York, and from thence to Philadelphia, where he became ac quainted with several literary and scientific gentlemen, particularly the governor of Pennsylvania, by whose opinions, and their offers of assistance, he was induced to sail for England. In the latter place he worked some time as a printer, but not receiving the promised assistance, he returned to Philadelphia "in 1732, where he issued his first publication, “ Poor Richard's Almanack," which became very popular, and shortly after added to his labours a newspaper. In 1736, he was appointed clerk of the assembly of Pennsylvania; and in the next year, postmaster, by means of which he acquired a fund of statistical information, which was of inestimable value to him in the discharge of the high duties to which he was alterwards "called. The Indians on the frontiers becoming dangerous enemies, Franklin succeeded, though it was a difficult task, in persuading the citizens of Pennsylvania to arm and discipline a military force for self-defence. In 1741, he commenced a popular magazine, which, though well supported, was given up, as it interfered with his other duties. At this time, through his influence, an insurance office, and a philosophical society were established. He was next appointed agent for the colonies in England, where he continued as long as he had the slighest prospect of being useful. In 1775 he returned to his native land, and was sent as a delegate to the con |