This is the list of the Signers of The Articles of Confederation. Thus far we have visited 18 of the 48 signers gravesites. Sadly, four of the 48 signers burial locations are Unknown, and one is Unmarked.
An excellent source of information about the Signers can be found at the following National Archives website: Articles of Confederation (1777)
Name
DOB - DOD
Burial Location
Visited
Andrew Adams
Jan 7 1736 – Nov 26 1797
Litchfield, CT
Thomas Adams
1730 - Aug 1788
Unknown
John Banister*
26 Dec 1734 - 23 Sep 1788
Petersburg, VA
Daniel Carroll
July 22 1730 – May 7 1796
Silver Spring, MD
William Clingan
1721 - 9 May 1790
Parkesburg, PA
John Collins
8 Jun 1717 - 4 Mar 1795
Providence, RI
Francis Dana
June 13 1743 – Apr 25 1811
Cambridge, MA
John Dickinson
8 Nov 1732 - 14 Feb 1808
Wilmington, DE
William Henry Drayton
1742 - 3 Sep 1779
Charleston, SC
James Duane
6 Feb 1733 - 1 Feb 1797
Duanesburg, NY
William Duer
18 Mar 1747 - 7 May 1799
New York, NY
John Hanson
13 Apr 1715 - 22 Nov 1783
Fort Washington, MD
Cornelius Harnett
Apr 10 1723 – Apr 20 1781
Wilmington, NC
John Harvie
20 Dec 1742 - 6 Feb 1807
Richmond, VA
Samuel Holten
9 Jun 1738 - 2 Jan 1816
Danvers, MA
Titus Hosmer
1736 - 4 Aug 1780
Middletown, CT
Edward Langworthy
1738 - 2 Sep 1802
Unknown
James Lovell
31 Oct 1737 - 14 Jul 1814
Unknown
Henry Marchant
Apr 9 1741 – Aug 30 1796
Newport, RI
John Mathews
1744 - 17 Nov 1802
Charleston, SC
Gouverneur Morris
31 Jan 1752 - 6 Nov 1816
Bronx, NY
Joseph Reed
27 Aug 1741 - 5 Mar 1785
Philadelphia, PA
Daniel Roberdeau
29 Dec 1727 - 5 Jan 1795
Winchester, VA
Nathaniel Scudder
10 May 1733 - 17 Oct 1781
Freehold, NJ
Jonathan Bayard Smith
21 Feb 1742 - 16 Jun 1812
Philadelphia, PA
Edward Telfair
1735 - 17 Sep 1807
Savannah, GA
Nicholas Van Dyke
25 Sep 1738 - 19 Feb 1789
New Castle, DE
John Walton
1738 - 15 Nov 1783
Unknown
John Wentworth, Jr.
30 Jul 1745 - 10 Jan 1787
Portsmouth, NH
John Williams
10 May 1731 - 10 Oct 1799
Unmarked
* Gravesite on Private Property
Historical Background
The Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union served as the United States' first governing framework, crafted during a time of great upheaval and transformation. Emerging from the debates held by the Second Continental Congress between July 1776 and November 1777, the Articles were finalized on November 15, 1777, and came into effect on March 1, 1781, following ratification by all 13 states. This document sought to establish a league of friendship among the states, preserving their independence and sovereignty while creating a confederal government with limited powers, reflective of the authority formerly held by the British Crown.
The Articles provided a clear set of rules for how the states would cooperate under this new union. However, even before all states had ratified the Articles, the Continental Congress operated under its provisions, managing the war effort, diplomacy, territorial issues, and relations with Native American tribes. When the Articles officially took effect, the Continental Congress was renamed the Congress of the Confederation, although it remained largely unchanged in structure and function.
As the new government attempted to manage the growing nation, it quickly became apparent that the central government's powers were too limited. The Congress struggled with assembling delegates, raising funds, and regulating commerce, making it difficult to govern effectively. The weaknesses of the Articles were starkly revealed in the aftermath of events like Shays' Rebellion, leading many to call for a stronger central government.
This call for change culminated in a meeting in Philadelphia in May 1787, initially intended to revise the Articles. However, the delegates at the Constitutional Convention soon realized that the problems with the Articles could not be resolved through mere amendments. Instead, they chose to draft an entirely new constitution, which provided for a much stronger federal government. This new Constitution, which established a chief executive, courts, and taxing powers, was adopted on March 4, 1789, replacing the Articles of Confederation and ushering in a new era of American governance.
The creation of the Articles of Confederation can be traced back to earlier efforts at colonial cooperation, such as the Albany Congress in 1754 and Benjamin Franklin's Albany Plan. These early attempts at inter-colonial collaboration laid the groundwork for the concepts that would later shape the Articles. Over time, as colonial resistance to British rule grew, the need for a unified front became more pressing. The British government's coercive measures, such as the Intolerable Acts, and the armed skirmishes that followed, pushed many colonists to favor independence.
By 1775, the Second Continental Congress had begun acting as the provisional government for the United Colonies. Recognizing the need for a formal framework to legitimize their actions and secure international support, Congress sought to draft a written constitution. This effort was driven by the belief that a clear set of rules was necessary for the new nation to function effectively and gain recognition from foreign powers.
The drafting of the Articles of Confederation was part of a broader effort to establish the United States as a legitimate nation on the international stage. Thomas Paine's influential pamphlet, *Common Sense*, argued that a formal declaration of independence was essential for gaining foreign allies, particularly from monarchies like France and Spain, who were reluctant to support rebels against another monarch. Paine contended that a declaration would demonstrate that the United States was a sovereign nation, deserving of equal standing with other countries.
In June 1776, Richard Henry Lee introduced a resolution in Congress calling for independence, the formation of foreign alliances, and the preparation of a plan of confederation. Congress responded by creating committees to draft the Declaration of Independence, a model treaty for foreign relations, and the Articles of Confederation. The Declaration announced the United States' entry into the international community, the model treaty sought to establish trade relationships, and the Articles created a framework for the new nation to manage both domestic and foreign affairs.
The Articles of Confederation represented a critical first step in the United States' journey toward nationhood. While the document ultimately proved inadequate for governing the rapidly expanding nation, it laid the foundation for the stronger federal government established by the Constitution. The Articles' legacy is a testament to the challenges and complexities of building a new nation from the ground up.
The Articles provided a clear set of rules for how the states would cooperate under this new union. However, even before all states had ratified the Articles, the Continental Congress operated under its provisions, managing the war effort, diplomacy, territorial issues, and relations with Native American tribes. When the Articles officially took effect, the Continental Congress was renamed the Congress of the Confederation, although it remained largely unchanged in structure and function.
As the new government attempted to manage the growing nation, it quickly became apparent that the central government's powers were too limited. The Congress struggled with assembling delegates, raising funds, and regulating commerce, making it difficult to govern effectively. The weaknesses of the Articles were starkly revealed in the aftermath of events like Shays' Rebellion, leading many to call for a stronger central government.
This call for change culminated in a meeting in Philadelphia in May 1787, initially intended to revise the Articles. However, the delegates at the Constitutional Convention soon realized that the problems with the Articles could not be resolved through mere amendments. Instead, they chose to draft an entirely new constitution, which provided for a much stronger federal government. This new Constitution, which established a chief executive, courts, and taxing powers, was adopted on March 4, 1789, replacing the Articles of Confederation and ushering in a new era of American governance.
The creation of the Articles of Confederation can be traced back to earlier efforts at colonial cooperation, such as the Albany Congress in 1754 and Benjamin Franklin's Albany Plan. These early attempts at inter-colonial collaboration laid the groundwork for the concepts that would later shape the Articles. Over time, as colonial resistance to British rule grew, the need for a unified front became more pressing. The British government's coercive measures, such as the Intolerable Acts, and the armed skirmishes that followed, pushed many colonists to favor independence.
By 1775, the Second Continental Congress had begun acting as the provisional government for the United Colonies. Recognizing the need for a formal framework to legitimize their actions and secure international support, Congress sought to draft a written constitution. This effort was driven by the belief that a clear set of rules was necessary for the new nation to function effectively and gain recognition from foreign powers.
The drafting of the Articles of Confederation was part of a broader effort to establish the United States as a legitimate nation on the international stage. Thomas Paine's influential pamphlet, *Common Sense*, argued that a formal declaration of independence was essential for gaining foreign allies, particularly from monarchies like France and Spain, who were reluctant to support rebels against another monarch. Paine contended that a declaration would demonstrate that the United States was a sovereign nation, deserving of equal standing with other countries.
In June 1776, Richard Henry Lee introduced a resolution in Congress calling for independence, the formation of foreign alliances, and the preparation of a plan of confederation. Congress responded by creating committees to draft the Declaration of Independence, a model treaty for foreign relations, and the Articles of Confederation. The Declaration announced the United States' entry into the international community, the model treaty sought to establish trade relationships, and the Articles created a framework for the new nation to manage both domestic and foreign affairs.
The Articles of Confederation represented a critical first step in the United States' journey toward nationhood. While the document ultimately proved inadequate for governing the rapidly expanding nation, it laid the foundation for the stronger federal government established by the Constitution. The Articles' legacy is a testament to the challenges and complexities of building a new nation from the ground up.
Andrew Adams
Jan 7 1736 – Nov 26 1797
Home:
Litchfield, CT
Education:
Yale College
Profession:
Lawyer, Judge
Info:
Andrew Adams was a respected statesman and judge who contributed to the legal and political foundation of Connecticut.
Thomas Adams
1730 - Aug 1788
Home:
Unknown, VA
Education:
Unknown
Profession:
Unknown
Info:
Very little is known about Thomas Adams' early life, education, or profession.
Samuel Adams
Sept 27 1722 – Oct 2 1803
Home:
Boston, MA
Education:
Harvard College
Profession:
Politician, Brewer
Info:
Samuel Adams was a key figure in the American Revolution and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. His leadership in Massachusetts was pivotal in the movement for independence.
John Banister
Dec 26, 1734 – Sep 23, 1788
Home:
Petersburg, VA
Education:
Law Apprenticeship
Profession:
Lawyer, Politician
Info:
John Banister was a respected lawyer and planter in Virginia, known for his contributions to the state's political landscape during the Revolutionary War.
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Josiah Bartlett
Nov 21, 1729 – May 19, 1795
Home:
Kingston, NH
Education:
Medical Apprenticeship
Profession:
Physician, Judge
Info:
Josiah Bartlett was a physician and politician who became one of the first men to sign the Declaration of Independence and later served as the Governor of New Hampshire.
Daniel Carroll
July 22, 1730 – May 7, 1796
Home:
Upper Marlboro, MD
Education:
Jesuit College of St. Omer, France
Profession:
Planter, Politician
Info:
Daniel Carroll was one of the few Roman Catholics among the Founding Fathers. He played a significant role in Maryland politics and in the drafting of the Constitution.
William Clingan
1721 – May 9, 1790
Home:
Chester County, PA
Education:
Unknown
Profession:
Judge, Politician
Info:
William Clingan was a delegate to the Continental Congress and a judge in Pennsylvania, contributing to the early governance of the United States.
John Collins
June 8, 1717 – Mar 4, 1795
Home:
Newport, RI
Education:
Unknown
Profession:
Lawyer, Politician
Info:
John Collins was an important political figure in Rhode Island, serving as Governor and playing a role in the state's ratification of the U.S. Constitution.
Francis Dana
June 13, 1743 – Apr 25, 1811
Home:
Cambridge, MA
Education:
Harvard College
Profession:
Lawyer, Diplomat
Info:
Francis Dana was an influential lawyer and diplomat, serving as the U.S. envoy to Russia during the Revolutionary War.
John Dickinson
Nov 8, 1732 – Feb 14, 1808
Home:
Wilmington, DE
Education:
Middle Temple, London
Profession:
Lawyer, Politician
Info:
Known as the "Penman of the Revolution," John Dickinson authored many important documents and letters supporting American independence, although he initially opposed the Declaration of Independence.
William Henry Drayton
1742 – Sep 3, 1779
Home:
Charleston, SC
Education:
Middle Temple, London
Profession:
Lawyer, Judge
Info:
William Henry Drayton was a prominent South Carolina lawyer and a passionate advocate for American independence. He was instrumental in the early governance of the state and served as Chief Justice of South Carolina.
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James Duane
Feb 6, 1733 – Feb 1, 1797
Home:
New York, NY
Education:
Law Apprenticeship
Profession:
Lawyer, Judge
Info:
James Duane was a significant legal figure in New York, serving as the first Mayor of New York City after American independence and later as a federal judge.
William Duer
Mar 18, 1747 – May 7, 1799
Home:
New York, NY
Education:
Eton College, England
Profession:
Businessman, Politician
Info:
William Duer was a British-born American businessman and politician. He played a significant role in the financial development of the United States and was involved in several early government initiatives.
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William Ellery
Dec 22, 1727 – Feb 15, 1820
Home:
Newport, RI
Education:
Harvard College
Profession:
Lawyer, Merchant
Info:
William Ellery was a prominent lawyer and merchant who became an active patriot leader in Rhode Island. He was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and later served as a customs collector for the port of Newport.
Elbridge Gerry
July 17, 1744 – Nov 23, 1814
Home:
Marblehead, MA
Education:
Harvard College
Profession:
Merchant, Politician
Info:
Elbridge Gerry was a Founding Father, signer of the Declaration of Independence, and Vice President of the United States. He is perhaps best known for the term "gerrymandering," derived from his role in Massachusetts politics.
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John Hancock
Jan 23, 1737 – Oct 8, 1793
Home:
Boston, MA
Education:
Harvard College
Profession:
Merchant, Politician
Info:
John Hancock was one of the most prominent leaders of the American Revolution and the first to sign the Declaration of Independence. He was President of the Second Continental Congress and played a crucial role in the early governance of the United States.
John Hanson
Apr 13, 1715 – Nov 22, 1783
Home:
Charles County, MD
Education:
Self-educated
Profession:
Planter, Politician
Info:
John Hanson was a key figure in Maryland's colonial politics and is often considered the first President of the Continental Congress under the Articles of Confederation, serving from 1781 to 1782.
Cornelius Harnett
Apr 10, 1723 – Apr 20, 1781
Home:
Wilmington, NC
Education:
Unknown
Profession:
Merchant, Politician
Info:
Cornelius Harnett was a leader of the American Revolution in North Carolina and served in the Continental Congress. He was a staunch advocate for independence and played a critical role in his state's early governance.
John Harvie
Dec 20, 1742 – Feb 6, 1807
Home:
Albemarle County, VA
Education:
Unknown
Profession:
Lawyer, Politician
Info:
John Harvie was a delegate to the Continental Congress and an influential Virginia politician. He later served as a land commissioner and was involved in the founding of Richmond, VA.
Thomas Heyward, Jr.
July 28, 1746 – Mar 6, 1809
Home:
St. Helena Parish, SC
Education:
Middle Temple, London
Profession:
Lawyer, Plantation Owner
Info:
Thomas Heyward, Jr. was a signer of both the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation. He was a prominent lawyer and plantation owner in South Carolina.
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Samuel Holten
June 9, 1738 – Jan 2, 1816
Home:
Danvers, MA
Education:
Medical Apprenticeship
Profession:
Physician, Politician
Info:
Samuel Holten was a respected physician and politician in Massachusetts. He served in the Continental Congress and was later a U.S. Representative.
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Titus Hosmer
1736 – Aug 4, 1780
Home:
Middletown, CT
Education:
Yale College
Profession:
Lawyer, Judge
Info:
Titus Hosmer was a lawyer, judge, and politician in Connecticut. He served as a delegate to the Continental Congress and was instrumental in the state's legal and political affairs.
Samuel Huntington
July 3, 1731 – Jan 5, 1796
Home:
Norwich, CT
Education:
Self-educated
Profession:
Lawyer, Politician
Info:
Samuel Huntington was the President of the Continental Congress during the final stages of the American Revolution and later became the Governor of Connecticut.
Richard Hutson
Sep 9, 1748 – Apr 12, 1795
Home:
Charleston, SC
Education:
Middle Temple, London
Profession:
Lawyer, Politician
Info:
Richard Hutson was a prominent lawyer and politician in South Carolina. He served in the Continental Congress and was later a judge and state legislator.
Henry Laurens
Feb 24, 1724 – Dec 8, 1792
Home:
Charleston, SC
Education:
London, England (Merchant training)
Profession:
Merchant, Politician
Info:
Henry Laurens was the President of the Continental Congress and a key diplomat during the Revolutionary War, negotiating the Treaty of Paris.
Edward Langworthy
1738 – Sep 2, 1802
Home:
Savannah, GA
Education:
Bethesda Orphan House, GA
Profession:
Teacher, Politician
Info:
Edward Langworthy was a teacher and politician from Georgia who served in the Continental Congress and was an advocate for public education.
Francis Lightfoot Lee
Oct 14, 1734 – Jan 11, 1797
Home:
Mount Pleasant, VA
Education:
Private Tutoring
Profession:
Planter, Politician
Info:
Francis Lightfoot Lee was a Virginia planter and politician who signed both the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation.
Francis Lightfoot Lee
Richard Henry Lee
Jan 20, 1732 – Jun 19, 1794
Home:
Stratford, VA
Education:
Wakefield Academy, England
Profession:
Planter, Politician
Info:
Richard Henry Lee was a leading figure in the movement for independence and is famous for proposing the resolution for independence to the Continental Congress.
Francis Lewis
Mar 21, 1713 – Dec 30, 1802
Home:
New York, NY
Education:
Westminster School, London
Profession:
Merchant, Politician
Info:
Francis Lewis was a Welsh-born American merchant and politician who signed both the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation.
James Lovell
Oct 31, 1737 – Jul 14, 1814
Home:
Cambridge, MA
Education:
Boston Latin School, Harvard College
Profession:
Teacher, Politician
Info:
James Lovell was a teacher and politician who played an important role in the Continental Congress, particularly in intelligence and diplomacy efforts.
Henry Marchant
Apr 9, 1741 – Aug 30, 1796
Home:
Newport, RI
Education:
Law Apprenticeship
Profession:
Lawyer, Politician
Info:
Henry Marchant was a prominent lawyer and politician in Rhode Island. He served as the state's Attorney General and was an advocate for independence.
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John Mathews
1744 – Nov 17, 1802
Home:
Charleston, SC
Education:
Middle Temple, London
Profession:
Lawyer, Politician
Info:
John Mathews was a lawyer and politician from South Carolina who served in the Continental Congress and later as Governor of South Carolina.
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Thomas McKean
Mar 19, 1734 – Jun 24, 1817
Home:
Philadelphia, PA
Education:
Law Apprenticeship
Profession:
Lawyer, Judge, Politician
Info:
Thomas McKean was a prominent figure in the American Revolution, serving as a delegate to the Continental Congress, Chief Justice of Pennsylvania, and Governor of Pennsylvania.
Gouverneur Morris
Jan 31, 1752 – Nov 6, 1816
Home:
Bronx, NY
Education:
King's College (now Columbia University)
Profession:
Lawyer, Politician
Info:
Gouverneur Morris was a Founding Father who played a significant role in the drafting of the U.S. Constitution, particularly in the preamble. He was also a strong advocate for a strong central government.
Robert Morris
Jan 20, 1734 – May 8, 1806
Home:
Philadelphia, PA
Education:
Merchant Apprenticeship
Profession:
Merchant, Financier
Info:
Robert Morris, known as the "Financier of the Revolution," played a crucial role in financing the American Revolution and later served as a U.S. Senator.
John Penn
May 6, 1741 – Sep 14, 1788
Home:
Granville County, NC
Education:
Self-educated
Profession:
Lawyer, Politician
Info:
John Penn was a North Carolina lawyer and politician who signed both the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation.
Joseph Reed
Aug 27, 1741 – Mar 5, 1785
Home:
Philadelphia, PA
Education:
College of New Jersey (now Princeton University)
Profession:
Lawyer, Politician, Military Officer
Info:
Joseph Reed was a prominent lawyer, military officer, and politician in Pennsylvania. He served as President of Pennsylvania (equivalent to Governor) and was an influential figure during the Revolutionary War.
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Daniel Roberdeau
Dec 29, 1727 – Jan 5, 1795
Home:
Philadelphia, PA
Education:
Unknown
Profession:
Merchant, Military Officer, Politician
Info:
Daniel Roberdeau was a merchant and politician who served in the Continental Congress and played a key role in the defense of the frontier during the Revolutionary War.
Nathaniel Scudder
May 10, 1733 – Oct 17, 1781
Home:
Freehold, NJ
Education:
Princeton University
Profession:
Physician, Military Officer, Politician
Info:
Nathaniel Scudder was a physician and politician who served in the Continental Congress. He was also a colonel in the New Jersey militia and was killed in action during the Revolutionary War.
Roger Sherman
Apr 19, 1721 – Jul 23, 1793
Home:
New Haven, CT
Education:
Self-educated
Profession:
Lawyer, Politician
Info:
Roger Sherman was a Founding Father who signed all four of the major American Revolutionary documents: the Continental Association, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confeder
Jonathan Bayard Smith
Feb 21, 1742 – Jun 16, 1812
Home:
Philadelphia, PA
Education:
College of New Jersey (Princeton University)
Profession:
Merchant, Politician
Info:
Jonathan Bayard Smith was a Philadelphia merchant and politician who served in the Continental Congress and was actively involved in Pennsylvania's politics.
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Edward Telfair
1735 – Sep 17, 1807
Home:
Savannah, GA
Education:
Unknown
Profession:
Merchant, Politician
Info:
Edward Telfair was a Scottish-born American merchant and politician who served as the Governor of Georgia and played a key role in the state's early governance.
Nicholas Van Dyke
Sep 25, 1738 – Feb 19, 1789
Home:
New Castle, DE
Education:
Law Apprenticeship
Profession:
Lawyer, Politician
Info:
Nicholas Van Dyke was a prominent Delaware lawyer and politician who served in the Continental Congress and later as the President of Delaware.
John Walton
1738 – Nov 15, 1783
Home:
Augusta, GA
Education:
Unknown
Profession:
Planter, Politician
Info:
John Walton was a Georgia planter and politician who served in the Continental Congress and was involved in the early state politics of Georgia.
John Wentworth, Jr.
Jul 30, 1745 – Jan 10, 1787
Home:
Portsmouth, NH
Education:
Harvard College
Profession:
Lawyer, Politician
Info:
John Wentworth, Jr. was a lawyer and politician from New Hampshire who played an important role in the state's politics and served in the Continental Congress.
John Williams
May 10, 1731 – Oct 10, 1799
Home:
Vance County, NC
Education:
Self-educated
Profession:
Lawyer, Politician
Info:
John Williams was a North Carolina lawyer and politician who played a significant role in the state's early governance and served as a delegate to the Continental Congress.
John Witherspoon
Feb 5, 1723 – Nov 15, 1794
Home:
Princeton, NJ
Education:
University of Edinburgh
Profession:
Clergyman, Educator, Politician
Info:
John Witherspoon was a Scottish-American Presbyterian minister and a Founding Father who played a key role in shaping early American education as the President of the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University). He was also a strong advocate for independence and served in the Continental Congress.
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Oliver Wolcott
Nov 20, 1726 – Dec 1, 1797
Home:
Litchfield, CT
Education:
Yale College
Profession:
Physician, Military Officer, Politician
Info:
Oliver Wolcott was a prominent Connecticut politician, military officer, and signer of the Declaration of Independence. He served as the Governor of Connecticut and played a significant role in the state's Revolutionary War efforts.
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