Continuing with our discussion of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, we take a look at Matthew Thornton, born in Ireland and brought to this country in 1714 by his father when he was 2-3 years of age. They first settled in Maine but soon moved to Massachusetts. Matthew chose the medical profession and became an eminent physician with a practice in New Hampshire and in a few years amassed considerable wealth.
In 1745 he was appointed surgeon to New Hampshire troops and then a Colonel of Militia as well as Justice of the Peace. When the provincial government was formed he was elected president. Then when the provincial Congress was organized Dr. Thornton became Speaker of the House. In September 1776 he was appointed a delegate to the Continental Congress for one year and was permitted to sign his name to the Declaration of Independence when he took his seat in November. Dr. Matthew Thornton died at the age of 89.
Stay tuned for more history on those who signed such a document......Medicineman!
My blog will attempt to be a source of accurate information on any subject put forward. My approach to any question will come from the conservative, freedom loving,and Christian. My background includes history, medicine and military. Welcome!
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