CAESAR RODNEY 1730-1783 PATRIOT

This signer is one of my favorites and may be yours as well after you read his story.
Caesar was born in 1730, first born and named for his father Caesar.  The senior Rodney had settled in Dover Delaware on a plantation and was quite successful and became very prosperous.  When he died Caesar, the eldest son, became master of the plantation.
We do not know when he came to public life until he appeared to be a leader in the Legislature of that Province in 1762 so it is probable that he had been active in that body for some time.
When the Stamp Act was forced on the Colonies Rodney spoke boldly against it.  When the "Stamp Act Congress" met in New York Rodney and two others were chosen to represent Delaware in 1765.
Mr. Rodney became Speaker of hi Provincial Congress in 1769 and served in that capacity until 1774 when he was elected to the General Congress.  Thomas McKean and Mr. Rollock were also chosen to represent their Province.
Mr. Rodney was a member of the committee to draw up a Declaration of Rights to address the complaints of the colonies.  He was reelected in 1775 and while attending those duties he was appointed Brigadier General of his province and as such had to divide his time between the two.
Mr. Rodney was in Delaware when the final debate was taking place on the proposition for a Declaration of Independence in 1776.  Mr. McKean sent word that he was need to add his signature to the proposition.  Now, this is what makes this man one of my favorite signers;  Caesar Rodney mounted his horse, on a rainy and stormy night and rode that muddy highway to Philadelphia in time to enjoy the high privilege of adding his signature to the Declaration of Independence.
Did I mention that Rodney had a cancer on his face that develped from his early years and as a result he always wore a scarf around his face to conceal it.  Because he added his name to that Document Rodney surrendered any chance he may have had of medical treatment in England!..Medicineman!