GEORGE WYTHE 1726-1800-VIRGINIAN

Having just celebrated Independence Day it seems fitting to get back to writing about the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
George Wythe of Virginia and born into a rich family and had every opportunity for a good education.  George was deprived of his father's guidance at a very early age and his mother became his teacher.  She was very well educated in Latin and able to give to George a good grasp of the classics.
His mother died suddenly before he was out of his teen years leaving him with great fortune.  George, being  young and a bit foolish, chose to spend his time partying and womanizing.  George was thiry years of age before he became serious about his education and studied law under the best in Virginia.  He was admitted to the Bar in 1757 and rose quickly in the profession.  He was conscientious in his dealings and never took on a case knowingly that was unjust.
George became Chancellor of Virginia and held that post the rest of his life.  With the passage of the Stamp Act George became a vigorous Patriot.  In 1775 he was elected delegate to the General Congress and was there in 1776 when his colleague Mr. Lee presented his bold resolution for Independence.  He was steadfast in his support of every item in the resolution and voted for and signed his name to The Declaration.
Wythe was chosen Speaker of the House in 1777 and the same year elevated to one of three judges of the high court of Chancery.  When the new Chancery was formed he became the sole judge and held that seat for twenty years.  The case came before him concerning whether a debt owed to an Englishman was binding after the Revolution.  After careful deliberation and consideration of all issues his ruling was that, Yes, those debts were legal and binding.  Probably not a very popular ruling.
Wythe formed a private school and taught students for free.  His class included a slave boy he owned and when one day Wythe suddenly sickened and died.  It was thought his food had been poisoned as the boy died the same way and he had consumed the same food.  There was no conviction from the trial.
George Wythe was twice married but had no children....Medicinman!