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This was in the newspaper many years ago. I have kept it on my wall ever since.
The 56 Men Who Signed the Declaration
Dear Ann Landers: I received this from a friend. The author is not known, but it might be appropriate for the Fourth of July-Independence Day. –Ellen in New Jersey
Dear Ellen: Thank you for a perfect July 4 column. Here it is: Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence? Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons who served in the Revolutionary Army. Another two had sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War. They pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor. Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists; 11 were merchants; nine were farmers and plantation owners. All were men of means and education; they knew the penalty would be death if captured. Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts. Thomas McKean was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family constantly. He served in the Congress without pay. Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of William Ellery, Lyman Hall, George Clymer, Thomas Heyward Jr., Edward Rutledge and Arthur Middleton. The home of Francis Lewis was destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within tow years. John Hart was driven from the bedside of his dying wife. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year, he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and children gone. He died shortly thereafter, heartbroken. They gave us a free and independent America. We were British subjects at that time, and we fought against our own government. Too often, we take these liberties for granted. So-while you are enjoying the festivities of the July 4 holiday, take a few minutes and silently than these patriots for their heroic contributions.
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