Rash's Surname Index
Notes for John DICKINSON
John Dickinson was born November 8, 1732 in Talbot County, Md. He was a statesman known as the "penman of the Revolution." He studied law in London at the Middle Temple and practiced law in Philadelphia before entering public life. Dickinson represented Pennsylvania in the Stamp Act Congress of 1765 and drafted its declaration of rights and grievances. He won fame in 1767 as the author of the Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania, to the Inhabitants of the British Colonies, which appeared in many colonial newspapers. The letters helped turn opinion against the Townshend Acts, under which new duties were collected to pay the salaries of royal officials in the Colonies. He also denounced the establishing of the American Board of Customs Commissioners at Boston to enforce the acts. Dickinson was a delegate from Pennsylvania in the Continental Congress and was most influencial in inspiring Thomas Jefferson to author the Declaration . . . Setting Forth the Causes and Necessity of Their Taking Up Arms." He helped prepare the first draft of the Articles of Confederation, BUT he voted against the Declaration of Independence because he still hoped for conciliation with the British. Although he was accused of being a Loyalist, he later served in the continental militia. As a delegate from Delaware to the Federal Constitutional Convention, and he signed the U.S. Constitution and worked for its adoption. He later defended the document in a series of letters signed "Fabius." Dickinson College at Carlisle, Pa., chartered in 1783, was named in his honour.
Continental Congressman, Revolutionary War Militia Brigadier General, United States Constitution Signer. In history he has become popularly referred to as the "Penman of the Revolution" for his articles titled "Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania" and "Declaration of the Causes of Taking Up Arms." He served as a member of the Assembly of the "Lower Counties," as Delaware was then called, in 1760, and served in the Pennsylvania State Assembly from 1762 through 1764. In 1765 served as a Delegate to the Stamp Act Congress representing Pennsylvania and from 1774 to 1776 was a member of the Continental Congress also representing Pennsylvania. After rejecting declaring independence from Great Britain, he served as a Brigadier General in the Pennsylvania State Militia during the Revolutionary War. In 1777 was again appointed to the Continental Congress, however this time to represent Delaware. Also in 1777 he freed all his slaves at his Delaware home "Poplar Grove" which was considered an unthinkable act during this time. On November 13, 1781 was elected Governor of the State of Delaware and served until November 4, 1782 at which time he was elected Governor of Pennsylvania. Served as Governor or Pennsylvania until 1785. Later served in the Delaware State Senate from 1792 through 1792. (bio by: Russ Pickett)
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