Rights and Responsibility in America: Civics Literacy (02)
For those who read for pleasure as well as knowledge there is a side benefit in accepting the challenge to improve one’s command of American history as pointed out by the Intercollegiate Studies Institute report on the civics literacy test. The previous post on civics literacy on this blog featured the Declaration of Independence as it was the subject of the first question of the ISI test. Simply expanding the review to focus on the signers of the Declaration of Independence and their biographies presents more compelling reading. This post provides a brief review of the first three signers listed from the State of Georgia. It can give one pause to consider the magnitude of the challenges faced by these historic figures not only in terms of the American Revolution and the birth of a new nation but the conditions under which they had to operate.
Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall and George Walton are the signers from Georgia listed in column one of the Declaration of Independence. For those who read for pleasure as well as knowledge their stories are as fascinating as fiction but more compelling since they are not. To emphasize this point another character in the story needs to be presented. Lachlan McIntosh appears to be a thorn in the side of all three signers but certainly for Button Gwinnett. Their stories are complete with the paths that led to their personal successes, the sacrifices made for purposes larger than self and the intrigue of battles won or lost, duels and political turmoil of the times.
Button Gwinnett was born in England about 1735 where he married and then came to America. He started out in Charleston, SC and later moved to Georgia. He became a political as well as military leader but the journey was not without the unfortunate addition of enemies as well as supporters. His long standing disputes with Lachlan McIntosh dominated many of the difficulties he faced. It could be surmised that not all of these problems were initiated by others.
Lyman Hall was born in Connecticut in 1724 and moved to Charleston, SC to begin a medical career. He was not a high profile member of the Continental Congress but did tireless work in the background on committees and procuring equipment and materials for soldiers. For Hall there was substantial personal loss as the British captured Savannah accused him of treason and destroyed his property. He evaded capture and spent some time on the run. Like many other signers he continued to be active in the development of the state of Georgia and public affairs throughout his life.
George Walton was born about 1750 and holds the distinction of being the youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was active in political and military affairs and on defending Savannah from British attack he was wounded and taken prisoner. Later freed in an exchange Walton continued his work by encouraging others in Georgia to continue the fight. Again, Lachlan McIntosh provided stiff opposition to Walton as well as Gwinnett. Walton achieved the rank of Brigadier General and later became Governor of Georgia.
Full accounts of the lives of these Americans are obviously more compelling than anything that can be done here in brief review. A simple search will provide numerous sources for further reading. The main point in providing this information is simple. Familiarizing one’s self with the tools to be well versed in American history and civics does not require much effort, provides fascinating reading and at the same time produces that satisfying feeling that comes from attending to something important.
Stanford Matthews
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