A LITTLE KNOWN SIGNER, THOMAS STONE 1743-1787

As many of those bold patriots who pledged their lives and fortunes in the forming of our republic Thomas Stone did not leave a lot of information about himself.
We do know that he was born in Pointoin Manor in the Province of Maryland in 1743.  After receiving a good English education and a study of the classics he entered the study of law and was admitted to the Bar at age twenty one and starteded practice, probably in Annapolis.
He did not seek personal fame but was a great supporter of the patriot cause and was active in their efforts.  The first Continental Congress convened on September 4th and Thomas Stone was a member of that body.  The first session adjourned on the twenty sixth day of October, a short session to be sure but one that organized and made the way for those exciting and efficient movements that prepared the way for the Declaration of Independence. After his short time in the Congress he retired from service.  However the people of Maryland would not let him remain retired and in late 1775 sent him back to the General Congress.
It is important to point out that the province of Maryland, at the onset, prohibited her delegates from voting for the Declaration of Independence even though they were in favor of freedom from the king they feared losing State dominance.  However that restriction was lifted in June, 1776 and Thomas Stone added his name to that document.
On that same July fourth that the Declaration was signed the people of Maryland reelected Stone and his companions to that Congress.  Thomas Stone was a member of the group that formed the Articles of Confederation and then shortly resigned to become a member of the Maryland State Legislature where he worked tirelessly for the adoption of the Articles of Confederation, which finely came to pass in 1781.
Once again elected to Congress in 1783 he was present when General Washington resigned his Commission into the hands of that body.  He then was appointed President of Congress. pro tempore.  Had his natural modesty not interfered he surely could have been reelected.  Such was the man Thomas Stone!....Medicineman!