The Elko independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1869-1872, 1871-05-13
The signe-. of the Declaration.

I
hazarded, by the deed. not only their lands
and possession but their personal freedom and
their lives; snd when it is considered that
most Of them were in the vigor Of life, gifted
with considerable fortunes, and all the Offices
and emoluments at the disposal of royalty
Within their reach, the sacrifice they incurred
appears nAgni6ed, and their disinteres,ed pat.
riotisu more worthy of remembrance. We
purpose to present the reader with a few Incl
dents Aud statistical facts regarding those IL
lustrious men. The thirteen States, then
comprising the American colonies, were rep
resented in Congress by fifty-si1 members.
each OF whom fearlessly affixed his hand
| and seal to that instrument which severed the
ligature that bound us TO the rule of a tyranni-
cal monarch, and established our nationality.
Thirty.one OF the members enjoyed the bene-
hts OF classical training; twenty. seven were
lawyers; FIVE, physicians; three. ministers;
four, farmers; and the remainder were en-
gagged in varions commercial pursuits, except
Franklin, who bOasted Of being a printer, yet
was alike philosopher and statesman. Josiah
Bartlett was the first TO vote for the measure,
aud FIRST after President Hancock, TO sign the
bill. Benjamin Franklin was the oldest men,
ber and Edward Rutedge the youngest The
remarkable life OF Franklin is too well known
to need any comment from us.
Charles Carroll was the wealthiest member,
being considered the most opulent man in the
colonies. When he signed the declaration,
some one, who watched his pen as it traced
the name Of "Charles Carroll of Carrolton, !"
remarked, There go a few millions" He
was the only member that annexed his place
OF residence. The reason Of its being done in
that instance was somewhat singular The
patriots who signed the document did so at
their perii. It being generally understood tina,
they would, If the cause proved unsuccessful
be hung as traitors. When Carroll signed his
name, some one near him remarked: "You
will get clear; there are several OF that name
and they will not know which one 10 take. -
'of Carrollion.' His days were heightened
ont until all the illustrions men with whom he
acted on the memorable Forth of july, l776,
had descended 10 the tomb. He lived 10 see
the people for whom he hadtoiled pledged his
fortune, his life and his sacred honor. united
prosperous and happy. He died in 1892. at
the advanced age of ninety.hve.
Samuei Adams WAS the most needy Of the
signrrs and when his indigence became
known IN England. il was proposed to bribe
him by the gift of some lucrative office. A
suggestion OF the kind being made to the Pro-
vincial Governor that official said "Such is
the obstinacy aud inae1ible disposition Of
Samuel Adams, that he can never be coucili-
ated by any Office or gift whatever" A higher
compliment could not have been paid him
The injndicious management Of his private af.
fairs always rendered him poor. and had mo-.
the death Of an only son relieved the poverty
of his latter days, be would have had to claim
burial from private charity or at the public
expense.
John Adams was considered the most forci-
bic and eloquent orator. Ie never seemed ia
tigued with his lsbors nor faint with his eIer-
tions; his blood and Judgment were so well
commingled that his highest efforts we're as
easy and natural as If he had been engaged in
the course of ordinary duties. ...
Robert Morris was the most successful
hnancier; aud it has been justly remarked,
That the American people owe as much ac-
acknowledgements to the financial operations OF
Robert Morris rs TO the negotiations Of Frank
lin, or even the arms OF Washington" He
rendered invaluable assistance to the country,
not only by his business talents. but by en-
ploying his extensive credit in obtaining
loans TO large amount for the Use Of the
Government In his latter days he embarked
in vast apeoula,ions. which proved fatal to his
princcly fortune. The man who had 30 inn
mensely contributed to our national existence
passed the closing years Of his life in prison;
a sad commentary upon those laws which
made no distinction between guilt and misfor-
tune, aud which condemned the honest debtor
TO tho punishment of n convicted felon. ...
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson became
Presidents. II is remarkable fact that these
two men, both having been Presidents, 1850.
ciates on the committee that frnmed the Dec.
laratiou," advocates and signers Of the docu-
ment, first leaders OF the opposite political
factions, died on the Fourth OF July, 1896 be-
ing the nftieth anniversary Of the day upon
which they had contributed 80 much to the
prosperity Of their country and our national
independence. ..-. .-.....
Roger Sherman, Oliver woolcou, Elbridse
Gerry, aud others, who we're there In that ~
semblage Of patriotic men, arc deserving OF
more than passing notice, yet want Of space
will not allow at this time Of further extended
romarks. Although with many of them their
sole claim 10 lasting distinction may rest upon
I tho ono uroat act with which they were adveu.