What kind of men were the signers of the Declaration of Independence?

Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants. Nine were farmers and large plantation owners. Four were current or former full-time preachers and many were the sons of clergy. For the most part, almost every signer was a churchgoer. Of the 56 that signed the Declaration there were: 28 Episcopalian, 12 Congregationalist, 11 Presbyterian, 2 Quaker, 2 Unitarian, and 1 Catholic.  
Each of the men signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured. All knew they would pay a price and a price many did pay.

Francis Lewis of New York had his home and properties destroyed. The British imprisoned his wife and she died soon after. Carter Braxton, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships destroyed by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts and died in poverty. John Hart had his fields ransacked resulting in his wife dying and his children fleeing for their lives. For more than a year he evaded the British by living in forests and caves. He later died owing money and having his land sold for a pittance. Thomas McKean of Delaware constantly moved his family from place to place as the British pursued him. He served in Congress without pay, eventually lost all of his possessions, and suffered poverty the rest of his life. At the battle of Yorktown, the home of Thomas Nelson, Jr. was taken by British General Cornwallis to serve as his military headquarters. Nelson implored General George Washington to open fire and his home was destroyed. He would later die bankrupt.

 

These are only a few of the stories and sacrifices made by those who declared freedom in our land. Were they perfect men? Of course not, but they were men that valued liberty more than tyranny and freedom more than suppression.

 

May the freedom we have been given as a gift, never be squandered because we choose to stay silent! May Almighty God help us lead our nation back toward Him!