About the Signers of the Declaration of Independence

[Spot Me 2]

What kind of men were they?

Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists,
Eleven were merchants, and
Nine were farmers and large plantation owners.

All were men of means and well educated; but, they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were 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, and died in rags.


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

Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.

At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.

Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.

John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished.

So, take a few minutes while enjoying your freedom and silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid. It's a shame most Americans take it for granted.

Remember: freedom is never free- it requires sacrifice.

What are YOU willing to give up to keep YOUR INDEPENDENCE ???

Patriotism is NOT a sin!


Here is a link for more on the signers....
http://www.ushistory.org/DECLARATION/signers/index.htm

[Spot Me 2]

Wrong title? No Thoughts?
I just thought I would help those of you who went to public school, and were not taught REAL history.

[rambone]

Freedom is not free. Many before us sacrificed everything to protect us from tyranny. Its an ongoing struggle. Lets hope there are enough patriots left...

[SavageEagle]

Originally Posted by rambone

Freedom is not free. Many before us sacrificed everything to protect us from tyranny. Its an ongoing struggle. Lets hope there are enough patriots left...

[Lucas156]