On This Day

Roger Sherman

lawyer, statesman, and Founding Father

Born: Died: American

Roger Sherman (April 19, 1721 – July 23, 1793) was an early American politician, lawyer, and a Founding Father of the United States. Representing Connecticut, he is the only person to sign all four great state papers of the United States: the Continental Association, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution. He also signed the 1774 Petition to the King.

Born in Newton, Massachusetts, Sherman established a legal career in Litchfield County, Connecticut, despite a lack of formal education. After a period in the Connecticut House of Representatives, he served as a justice of the Superior Court of Connecticut from 1766 to 1789. Connecticut sent him to the Continental Congress, and he was a member of the Committee of Five that drafted the Declaration of Independence.

Sherman served as a delegate to the 1787 Philadelphia Convention, which produced the United States Constitution. After Benjamin Franklin, he was the second oldest delegate present at the convention.

Notable For

American lawyer, statesman, and Founding Father

Roger Sherman's Historical Timeline

  1. Roger Sherman is born

    Roger Sherman, American lawyer, statesman, and founding father, known for american lawyer, statesman, and founding father, was born on 1721-04-19.

  2. Founding Father of the United States Roger Sherman (28) weds first wife Elizabeth Hartwell in Massachusetts

    Founding Father of the United States Roger Sherman (28) weds first wife Elizabeth Hartwell in Massachusetts

  3. Founding Father of the United States Roger Sherman (42) weds second wife Rebecca Prescott (20)

    Founding Father of the United States Roger Sherman (42) weds second wife Rebecca Prescott (20)

  4. Continental Congress creates committee to draft a Declaration of Independence with Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjami

    Continental Congress creates committee to draft a Declaration of Independence with Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston as members

Associated Historical Events

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Roger Sherman born?
Roger Sherman was born on 1721-04-19 (American).
What is Roger Sherman known for?
American lawyer, statesman, and Founding Father
What historical events involved Roger Sherman?
Roger Sherman was involved in 4 recorded historical events, including Roger Sherman is born, Founding Father of the United States Roger Sherman (28) weds first wife Elizabeth Hartwell in Massachusetts, Founding Father of the United States Roger Sherman (42) weds second wife Rebecca Prescott (20).
When did Roger Sherman die?
Roger Sherman died on 1793-01-01.

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