Simplify the following text for a Grade 12 native English-speaking person.
Original: William Ellery ( December 22 , 1727 -- February 15 , 1820 ) , was a signer of the United States Declaration of Independence as one of two representatives from Rhode Island his signature is located 4 names below John Adams .
Simplified: William Ellery ( December 22 , 1727 -- February 15 , 1820 ) was a signer of the United States Declaration of Independence as a representative of Rhode Island .