As the Fourth of July approaches, we are reminded of our Continental Congress delegates awaiting the big moment during a Philadelphia heat wave. William Ellery (1727-1820) of Newport was an attorney and later U.S. Customs House Collector, as were his three sons. He served as a stand in for delegate Samuel Ward, who would have been a “signer” had he not died of smallpox in March. Ellery is buried at the Common Burying Ground in Newport. Stephen Hopkins (1707-1785) of Providence, was a surveyor and career politician who served as Governor. He is buried at the North Burial Ground in Providence.
Above: Signatures united again. Stephen Hopkins and William Ellery from the NHS Collections.