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The Life of Thomas McKean: America's First Power Broker

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Suspected of Independence: The Life of Thomas McKean, America's First Power Broker

by Lee Eggstein

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	13174 KB
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Print length	:	322 pages

Thomas McKean was a Founding Father of the United States, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and a prominent political figure in Delaware and Pennsylvania. He served as the President of Delaware and the Chief Justice of Pennsylvania, and was a key figure in the American Revolution.

Early Life and Education

Thomas McKean was born on March 19, 1734, in New London, Pennsylvania. His father was a farmer and his mother was a schoolteacher. McKean received a classical education at the Academy of Newark in Delaware and then studied law at the College of Philadelphia (now the University of Pennsylvania).

Legal and Political Career

McKean began his legal career in 1756, when he was admitted to the Delaware bar. He quickly became a successful lawyer and was elected to the Delaware Assembly in 1762. He served in the Assembly for several years and was a vocal opponent of British policies.

In 1774, McKean was elected to the Continental Congress, where he served on the Committee of Safety and the Committee of Secret Correspondence. He was a strong advocate for independence from Great Britain and was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

After the Declaration of Independence, McKean returned to Delaware and served as the state's President from 1777 to 1781. He was a strong leader during the war and helped to mobilize the state's resources to support the Continental Army.

In 1781, McKean was elected to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. He served as Chief Justice of the court from 1784 to 1799. He was a respected jurist and was known for his fair and impartial rulings.

Later Life and Legacy

McKean retired from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in 1799. He spent his retirement years in Philadelphia, where he continued to be active in politics and public affairs. He died on June 24, 1817, at the age of 83.

Thomas McKean was a prominent political figure in the early United States. He was a key figure in the American Revolution and helped to shape the new nation's political and legal systems. He is remembered as one of America's first power brokers.

Additional Information

McKean was a skilled orator and was known for his wit and sarcasm.
He was a close friend of Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin.
McKean was a strong advocate for education and helped to found the University of Delaware.
He was a Freemason and was the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.

References

Ellis, Joseph J. (2000). Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.
Ferling, John E. (1992). A Leap in the Dark: The Struggle to Create the American Republic. New York: Oxford University Press.
McKean, Thomas (1801). The Life and Character of Thomas McKean. Philadelphia: William Young.

Suspected of Independence: The Life of Thomas McKean, America's First Power Broker

by Lee Eggstein

4.6 out of 5