A signer of the
Declaration of Independence; born in Wye Hall,
Harford co., Md., Oct. 31, 1740; studied law in
London; and began its practice in
Annapolis, where he became a warm opponent to the obnoxious measures of Parliament.
He was a member of the committee of correspondence in 1774, and was a delegate in Congress from 1774 to 1779.
He was State
Senator from 1777 to 1779;
chief-justice from 1778 to 1780, and governor from 1782 to 1786.
From 1789 until his death he was
United States district judge.
From his private wealth he gave liberally to the support of the patriot cause.
He died in Wye Hall, in 1799.
