The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1895-07-28
THE SIGNERS OF THE DECLA-
RATION OF INDEPENDENCE
FROM NORTH CAROLINA.

The three signers of the Declaration
of independence from North Carolina
were William Hooper, lawyer, of Will
mington; Joseph Hewes, of Edenton, a
merchant and importer; and John Penn,
lawyer of Granville.
Until 1898, there was not picture of
either of these illustrious men in North
Carolina. Our youth had no means of
knowing what manner of men" they
were, and history, in regard to them,
was so silent that their names were fast
sinking into forgetfulness. Judge Schenck
became much interested in furnishing
up their biographies and familiarizing
the people of the State with their
lives, and showing their connection
with the grandest and noblest
act of mankind, not excepting
the Magma Carta which the English
barons extorted from the King of Eng
land. He was anxious himself to see
what character God had written in their
faces and whether their countenances
beamed with the consciousness of supe-
riority and greatness.
The first inquiry of candor and limo
cence in regard to great men is "who
does he look like?"
With these desires burning in his heart
Judge Schenck visited Independence
Hall in Philadelphia in December, 1898,
where he found the fine portraits of
Hooper and Hewes, painted in oil, life
size, bust pictures. In this quaint old
hall so dear and sacred to every Ameri-
can citizen of intelligence there is gal
lery where the portraits Of the signers
were collected. Judge Schenck at once
had cabinet photos of Hooper and Hewes
made and after framing them handsome
ly they were placed in the museum of
the Guilford Battle Ground Company.
Diligent search was made in every
direction for some picture of John Penn,
but no trace of any could be found,
though he was wealthy gentleman, and
in colonial times it was one of the first
duties of those who were able to have a
picture of themselves painted to be
handed down with their estates to their
posterity. r.
The search had to be abandoned, but
strict watchout for information or dis
covery was kept up and now that dill
gence is rewarded.
The "spirib Of rs" a magazine pub
lished under the auspices of the Sons of
the Revolution, in its June number, pub
lished an engraving containing a group
of the signers of the declaration, and
among them is John Penn, clear cut
face, distinctively marked and from
which an oil portrait can be easily
painted.
The collection was made by John
Lyth, No. II New Chambers street, New
York city, an artist and engraver. He
has the group on cardb board for sale.
Judge Schenck was somewhat dubious
about the authenticity of the picture,
but after considerable correspondence
with Mr.. Lyth he is satisfied that it is
genuine. Mr.. Lyth procured it from
a book published in New York
in 1910, which contained biographies Of
the signers PENIS picture was a wood
cut, one well executed.
Judge Schenck will now fall back on
his patriotic old friend and co-adjutor,
David L. Clarke to have an oil portrait
of Penn made. Mr.. Clarke is noble
old Roman now over three score years
and ten, but full of fire and enthusi-
asm yet. He is one of the founders and
builders of the Guilford Battle Ground
Company, whose brush and easel have
marked every step of its history.
1t may not be generally known that
the mortal remains of Hooper and Penn
have now been removed to the Guilford
Battle Ground. The resting place of
Hewes has been lost in the changes and
of time.
-
AN UGLY CASE AGAINST MIR.