The Founding Fathers II--What happened to them ?

greenspun.com : LUSENET : Countryside : One Thread

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence ? Five signers were capturd by the British, tortured and hung. Twelve had teir homes ransacked and burned. Two, lost their sons in the war and another two had their sons taken prisoner in the war. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or complications. They signed and pledged their fortunes and honor. What kind of men were they ? Twenty four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and plantation owners. Men of means, well educate for their time but they signed document knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured. Thomas McKeam was so hunted that he moved his family constantly. He served congress without pay (now there is an idea) and kept his family in hiding. His possessions were confiscated and he died in poverty. Vandals and British soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Rutledge and Middleton. Thomas Nelson Jr. home was taken as headquarters at Yorktown by Gen Cornwallis. He urged General Washington to open fire and the home was destroyed. He died bankrupt. Francis Lewis had his home deystroyed, his wife jailed and she died there. John Hart was driven from his wife's bed a she lay dying and his thirteen children fled for their lives. He returned after living in the woods for a year to find his wife dead and children missing. He died of exhaustion and a broken heart three months later. Such are the stories of "The Founding Fathers." These were not wild eyed, rabble-rousing criminals. They were men of means, education and property. They had security but valued liberty more. They stood tall and unwavering and pledged: " For the support of this Declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, We mutually pledge to each other, our lives,our fortunes, and our sacred honor. " They didn't fight the British. They were British subjects and fought their own government ! --Well, it's almost Independence day. Don't you owe these men something ? Maybe we should follow their divine providence, like- When any government becomes tyrannical, it is the duty of the citizens to ? Happy 4th--Hoist the Stars and Bars !

-- Joel Rosen (Joel681@webtv.net), July 01, 2000

Answers

thank you, i never knew.

-- renee oneill (oneillsr@home.com), July 02, 2000.

Joel, thank you for posting this. I just received this in my email from our oldest son, an MP currently stationed in Germany (again - third time). There is more, would you consider posting it in its entirety?

-- Phyllis (almostafarm@yahoo.com), July 02, 2000.

I'm sorry, Phyliss. This is all of it I have. My daughter thought it was worth sharing with everyone so we did it together. My family has graciously allotted me one hour per week in the forum and I used it up on this. The good news is I have found out how much I love my children ! We are off to the Smithsonian Institute today to see the new "Viking" display. Sorry, I couldn't help but I would be interested in seeing the "more". I'm aso considering having an affair with an old friend that I haven't seen much of lately--I think she said she was my wife. Take Care.

-- Joel Rosen (Joel681@webtv.net), July 02, 2000.

Thank you for making us aware what FREEDOM really means! So many of us aren't aware how much it really costs and we aren't willing to do the same to keep it! It sounds like your "old" friend has found a great "new friend"! Isn't love wonderful?

-- Debbie T in N.C. (rdtyner@mindspring.com), July 02, 2000.

Thanks Joel. It should all make us pause and reflect.

And isn't is interesting how holidays can start out as commemoration times, and end up being merchantable opportunities: Fourth of July: fireworks and food; Easter: candy and live animals; and Christmas, well....don't get me started! Anyway Happy Fourth to all of you!

-- sheepish (rborgo@gte.net), July 02, 2000.



We in Canada just celebrated our 133rd birthday yesterday. My husband and I took our two boys to the Legislative Buildings in Regina (our provinces capital) to witness the celebrations and the 21 gun salute. The boys were fascinated with the Howitzers (sp?)...and it brought it home to me just what we SHOULD be celebrating.

I hope you all have a wonderful fourth of July -- I may be Canadian, not American, but I do appreciate what you're saying, Joel. Freedom comes at a price. The price our ancestors paid for us to live with the freedom we do should never be forgotten.

Happy fourth of July to you all!!!

-- Tracy (trimmer@westzone.com), July 02, 2000.


Joel, great story of the people we owe it all to and we need to remember how much they sacrificed, now to read part 2. karen

-- Karen Mauk (dairygoatmama@hotmail.com), July 02, 2000.

For even more info on what happened to our founders see-

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/bluesky_excomm/20000704_xex_americans_wh. shtml

I know that's a whole lot of address, and I hope I got this right. The site is www.worldnetdaily. the title is "Americans who risked everything" If I knew how, I would have just loaded the article here or put a link directly to the site. If someone knows how...have at it. Worth the trouble to read this column. Happy 4th all!

-- john mengel (jsmengel@freewwweb.com), July 04, 2000.


Not an entirely anti-American tangent here , but it is also important to remember that a good number of these same men were slave owners and Indian killers in merciless proportions . While their intent was certainly noble, hypocrosy was alive and well in 1783 just as it is today, sorry if I've burst any bubbles here!?!?!?!?

-- Dan Baker (dcbaker@2ki.net), July 05, 2000.

Dan, No bubbles were burst here. Reality is just that, REALITY. Thanks for reminding us that not all great men are good men. Even the greatest moments of our past contain a totally different history for me. ~~~ the great great great ... grandchild of slaves. And yet and still, we have come so very far. We, this independent America.

-- Pam Pitts (msjanedoe@hotmail.com), July 05, 2000.


I understand full well who they were. I also know personally, many of the New Founding Fathers and the sacrifices they have made to insure liberty. While some have rolled in their money, I added a few names to the Declaration of Independence from my life time---Claude Dallas, Gordon Kahl and Randy Weaver. History has yet to record their sacrifices for liberty !

-- Joel Rosen (Joel681@webtv.net), July 06, 2000.

Moderation questions? read the FAQ