Pennsylvania’s Role in the Declaration of Independence: The Signatories
Pennsylvania sent nine delegates to the Second Continental Congress who ultimately signed the Declaration of Independence, a larger contingent than any other colony. According to the National Archives, these men were instrumental in the formal break from Great Britain, representing a diverse range of political perspectives and professional backgrounds.
The Pennsylvania Delegation and the Vote for Independence
The Pennsylvania delegation was deeply divided leading up to the July 1776 vote. While the colony was the most populous, its political leadership initially hesitated to support total independence. As noted by the Museum of the American Revolution, the final signing on August 2, 1776, included nine men who represented the state: George Clymer, Benjamin Franklin, Robert Morris, John Morton, John Penn, George Ross, Benjamin Rush, James Smith, George Taylor, and James Wilson.
Some delegates, such as John Dickinson, refused to sign because they favored reconciliation with the Crown. The nine who did sign were compelled by the shifting political tide in Philadelphia, which served as the meeting place for the Continental Congress.
Profiles of Key Signatories
The Pennsylvania signers brought distinct expertise to the formation of the new government:
- James Wilson: A legal scholar and immigrant from Scotland, Wilson was a pivotal advocate for the idea that sovereignty resided with the people. His work in the Continental Congress laid the foundation for his later role in drafting the U.S. Constitution, according to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.
- James Smith: A lawyer from York, Pennsylvania, Smith was an early proponent of independence. He joined the Continental Congress late in the process, arriving in time to add his name to the document in August 1776.
- George Taylor: An Irish immigrant who rose from an indentured servant to a prominent ironmaster, Taylor replaced delegates who had refused to support the Declaration. His signature represents the shift in the Pennsylvania delegation toward a pro-independence stance.
Historical Context and Representation
The number of delegates from each colony was not strictly proportional to population, but Pennsylvania’s large delegation reflected its status as a center of commerce and political activity in the colonies. The Library of Congress notes that the Pennsylvania signers faced significant personal and political risk, as they were officially committing treason against the British Empire.
Comparison of Signatories by Colony
| Colony | Number of Signatories |
|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 9 |
| Virginia | 7 |
| Massachusetts | 5 |
Legacy of the Pennsylvania Delegation
The contributions of these nine men went beyond the act of signing. Benjamin Rush, for instance, became a prominent physician and social reformer, while Robert Morris is often credited as the “Financier of the Revolution” for his efforts in securing funding for the Continental Army. Their collective action ensured that Pennsylvania, despite its internal political fractures, remained a cornerstone of the American independence movement.
The original engrossed copy of the Declaration of Independence, featuring the signatures of the Pennsylvania delegates, is currently housed at the National Archives in Washington, D.C., as part of the Charters of Freedom.