John Dickinson (November 2, 1732 - February 14, 1808) was a Pennsylvania delegate to the First Continental Congress from 1774-1776 and from Delaware in 1779. Dickinson is known as the "Penman of the Revolution" for his powerful and eloquent writings urging resistance to unjust British tax policies. This is particularly clear in his writing of "Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania," which was written between 1767 and 1768, and the "Declaration of the Causes of Taking Up Arms" he wrote as a member of the Continental Congress in 1776.
Dickinson was a prominent Founder who served on the committee that drafted the Model Treaty, was one of the signers of the Continental Association as well as the Articles of Confederation, and was also a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1787. At the end of the Convention he did not personally sign the Constitution but he did authorize George Read to do so for him. His illustrious career was also marked by service as President of Delaware in 1781, and President of Pennsylvania from 1782-1785.
ping, forgetting what my colonial/revwar pingster is!
John Dickinson argued against the adoption of the Declaration of Independence (he thought that the move was premature) but then went and joined the army to fight for the American cause.
Inventor of Gold Diapers, Great Great Great grandfather of THE Bruce Dickinson.
Always looking for reading recommendations—thank you!