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WHAT HAPPENED....?

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?Five signers were captured by the British and brutally tortured as traitors.

At least twelve of the fifty-six had their homes pillaged and burned.

Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army. Another two had sons captured.

Nine fought in the War for Independence and died from wounds or from hardships they suffered.

They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. What kind of men were they?

Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers or large plantation owners. One was a teacher, one a musician, and one a printer. They were men of means and education who launched the Ship of State which you and I have inherited. Yet, they signed the Declaration of Independence, knowing full well that the penalty could be death if they were captured.

When these courageous men signed, they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to the cause of freedom and independence.

In the face of the advancing British Army, the Continental Congress fled from Philadelphia to Baltimore on December 12, 1776.

It was an especially anxious time for John Hancock, the President, as his wife had just given birth to a baby girl. Due to the complications stemming from the trip to Baltimore, the child lived only a few months.
William Ellery's signing at the risk of his fortune, proved only too realistic. In December 1776, during three days of British occupation of Newport, Rhode Island, Ellery's house was burned and all his property was destroyed.

Richard Stockton, a New Jersey State Supreme Court Justice, had rushed back to his estate near Princeton after signing the Declaration only to find that his wife and children were living like refugees with friends. They had been betrayed by a Tory sympathizer who also revealed Stockton's own whereabouts. British troops pulled him from his bed one night, beat him and threw him in jail where he almost starved to death. When he was finally released, he went home to find his estate had been looted, his possessions burned, and his horses stolen. Judge Stockton had been so badly treated in prison that his health was ruined and he died before the war's end. His surviving family had to live the remainder of their lives off charity.
Carter Braxton of Virginia, was a wealthy planter and trader. One by one, his ships were captured by the British navy. He loaned a large sum of money to the American cause; it was never paid back. He was forced to sell his plantations and mortgage his other properties to pay his debts. He died in rags.

Thomas McKean was so hounded by the British, that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Continental Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.

To find out more about what happened to the rest of these brave men, please click here. (Link to Penny Parker's page)

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MoJo's Thought:
We are privileged to live in a wonderful country. From the birth of our country, we were shown true and courageous leadership. We have the examples of these brave men to admire, cherish, and remember. Don't ever forget their sacrifice or those of our troops defending America far away from home. May God continue to Bless our wonderful country. (If you are going to share this with others, please link back to the USO FReeper Style Canteen! Thank you!)MoJo2001

MoJo's Thought:

We are privileged to live in a wonderful country. From the birth of our country, we were shown true and courageous leadership. We have the examples of these brave men to admire, cherish, and remember. Don't ever forget their sacrifice or those of our troops defending America far away from home. May God continue to Bless our wonderful country.

You can say that again. So few words for such a powerful message!

WHAT HAPPENED....?

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?Five signers were captured by the British and brutally tortured as traitors.

Mojo, Kathy,
Thank you so much for posting this!