
Shown above is a portion of the John Trumbull painting purporting to be a depiction of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776.
Listed below are are the younger men who signed the Declaration of Independence and their age when they signed.
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Edward Rutledge age 26. One of the two youngest signatories, Rutledge was a lawyer who went on to become Governor of South Carolina.
Benjamin D. Rush age 30. Perhaps the most recognized physician in the 18th century, Rush was also the first person to write an American chemistry book.
Thomas Jefferson age 33. The writer and architect of the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson went on to become third president of the United States.
Arthur Middleton age 34. Middleton owned a conglomerate of plantations in South Carolina and held a number of state political offices.
Samuel Chase age 35. A lawyer, Chase served as an associate justice of the United States Supreme Court.
Francis Hopkinson age 38. A lawyer and writer of poetry, music and satire, Hopkinson was elected a delegate to the Continental Congress in 1776.
John Hancock age 39. The first to sign the document, his large, flamboyant writing led to his name becoming synonymous with a request for one's signature. He said the reason for his large, bold signature on the Declaration of Independence was so Britain’s King George could read it without his glasses.
Patrick Henry age 40. An attorney best known for his declaration "Give me liberty, or give me death!," he later became a driving force behind the creation of the Bill of Rights.
John Adams age 40. Adams helped prepare the Declaration of Independence, was America's first vice president and went on to become the second U.S. president.
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