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My Ancestor Signed The Declaration Of Independence

Most American people have heard the term "put your John Hancock here" -- which means your signature. Well, he's my several-times past Uncle! John Hancock never had children (that lived), and we are descended from his brother.

They Paid the Price, By Paul Harvey, News and Commentary, July 4, 1974



Roz

Edited: FarSeer on 19th Dec, 2003 - 4:27am

Independence Declaration Signed Ancestor My

FarSeer, isn't it amazing what we learn from the simple task of doing our genealogy? Oh, excuse me, did I say simple?? :-->

John Hancock huh? That is so neat, and it is something you can proudly teach your daughter.

My Ancestor Signed The Declaration Of Independence Reviews Consumer & Travel Family Culture

We both of us have Patriots in our histories, AGene

Of course, in those days they were considered Revolutionists, their acts were Treasonous to the British crown, and etc. But what a great blessing to us all that they had the fortitude and integrity to fight for Right.

Yes, I'm proud to teach my children about their heritage.

Roz

Independence Declaration Signed Ancestor My

My ancestor was also a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He is/was Edward Rutledge, one of the four delegates from South Carolina. He is a descendent of mine from my mothers side of the family.

Independence Declaration Signed Ancestor My

That's great, BigMac! What else do you know of him that you could share with us? Very interesting times our forefathers lived in.

Roz

My Ancestor Signed The Declaration Of Independence

Yes, they were very interesting times.

Edward Rutledge was the youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence. Even though he was the youngest, he became one of the most influential members because of his opposition to Independence. He did his best to delay the vote for independence, and is generally held responsible for the postponement of the vote on the resolution of independence, he is also given the major credit for the decision of the South Carolina delegation to go along with the others on July 2 so as to create a united front.

In the autumn of 1776, he left Congress and returned to South Carolina where he became an officer in the State Militia and a representative in the state legislature. Although he was re-elected to Congress, he did not get back to Philadelphia. Along with his brother-in-law Arthur Middleton, Rutledge was captured when Charleston fell and was imprisoned in St. Augustine and detained for nearly a year. After the war Rutledge was active in the legislature and in state conventions, a staunch Federalist, he moderated confiscation of Loyalists' property. In his home country he had always been thought a genial and charming gentleman, and no doubt he mellowed with the years. In 1798 he became governor of his state, but he died on January 23, 1800 before completing his term. He was only a few months past fifty.

In honor of him, he had a ship named after him, the USS Edward Rutledge. Edward Rutledge sailed from Tampa in convoy 13 May 1942 to Norfolk. She operated in Chesapeake Bay training soldiers for the invasion of North Africa. Departing Hampton Roads 24 October 1942, she landed troops at Fedhala, French Morocco, on 8 November 1942, and lay off the beach unloading her cargo with two lifeboats, the only boats remaining after the assault. On 12 November 1942 she was torpedoed by U-130 who slipped past the escort screen to sink three transports. Edward Rutledge's crew attempted to beach her but all power had been lost; she settled rapidly by the stern and sank with the loss of 15 men. Survivors were taken to Casablanca, put on ships and returned to the States.

The USS Edward Rutledge received one battle star for World War II service.

A friend of mine who is a huge Star Trek fan, also told me that the USS Rutledge is also a Starfleet vehicle that the transporter chief, Miles O'Brien served on. That ship was also named after Edward Rutledge. The things one can find out about a relative.

USS Rutledge - Star Trek

My Ancestor Signed Declaration Independence

Roz and BigMac- that's great!

I wonder if your ancestors were among those noble men who visited Wilford Woodruff in the St George Temple? You should check the records! You can
go and stand in the same room your ancestors may have stood in (as spirits!).

Knowing my luck, I'm probably an ancestor of Cornwallis or someone ;(

Cool!

Dubhdara.

My Ancestor Signed Declaration Independence Culture Family Travel & Consumer Reviews

Wow, BigMac, that's great information!! And to think you're family is immortalized in Star Trek Very cool.

dubhdara said:

You mean you haven't checked yet?? There are some amazing resources on the Internet these days, even groups dedicated to certain surnames or regions of the world. You'd be surprised what you might find

Roz
P.S. I'll check that visitation list out -- I didn't occur to me that one of my own might be there!