Key Founding Figures – Part I
The Founding Fathers of America are some of the most influential people and interesting studies in history, and it’s important to recognize who they are and their accomplishments. Identifying key founders can be difficult as some historians include the Signers of the Declaration of Independence, Framers of the Constitution, Signers of the Articles of Confederation, and every politician, statesman, soldier, jurist, diplomat, or ordinary citizen, who took part in winning American Independence and creating our nation. Historian Richard B. Morris narrowed it down by identifying seven men as key Founding Fathers: John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay. For the purpose of informing our readers, the contributions of these men will be highlighted in a three part series.
John Adams was a lawyer, statesmen, and a diplomat who gained much influence in early America. He defended the soldiers in the Boston Massacre, stating, “It is more important that innocence be protected than it is that guilt be punished . . .” He countered essays written by Daniel Leonard, a Massachusetts lawyer, who argued for the absolute authority of Parliament in the colonies, by virtue of his own Letters of Novanglus, a long series of newspaper essays. Novanglus was Adams’ pseudonym for“New Englander.” Adams position was that the colonies were only connected to Great Britain through the King. Later, he was sent as a delegate to both Continental Congresses, intent on separation from England. Adams nominated George Washington to be the commander of the colonial forces. In 1777, Adams became the head of the Board of War and Ordnance where he worked eighteen-hour days as a “one man war department.” Adams would later become the 2nd president of the newly formed America. In the damp, unfinished rooms of the White House, Adams wrote his wife, “Before I end my letter, I pray Heaven to bestow the best of Blessings on this House and all that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but honest and wise Men ever rule under this roof.”
Thomas Jefferson was a delegate to the Second Continental Congress where he sought out John Adams. The two became fast friends, which led to Jefferson becoming the author of the Declaration of Independence. Adams ensured that Thomas Jefferson was appointed to the five-man committee that was to write a declaration in favor of a resolution of independence. After Adam’s had convinced them, the committee decided that Jefferson should be the one to write the first draft with Adam’s consultation. He spoke five languages, studied philosophy, science, invention and architecture, just to name a few of his interests. He designed his own mansion near Charlottesville, Virginia, naming it Monticello. Though he was an eloquent writer, he was a poor public speaker and suffered from a speech impediment. Jefferson was elected the 3rd president of the U.S., narrowly beating John Adams who was running for reelection. Jefferson and Adams would become staunch political rivals, but eventually renewed their friendship following the end of Jefferson’s presidency.
Thomas Jefferson and John Adams were the last surviving members of the original American revolutionaries who had stood up to the British empire. On July 4, 1826, at the age of 90, Adams lay on his deathbed while the country celebrated Independence Day. His last words were “Thomas Jefferson still survives.” Little did he know that his friend, Jefferson had died five hours earlier in his home, Monticello, at the age of 82.
Next up, Benjamin Franklin and George Washington.
