Isabella Carter
William Leigh Pierce (1753-1789) was an officer in the Revolutionary War, a member of the Continental Congress, and a Georgia state legislator. He attended the Federal Convention of 1787, where he spoke on several points and recorded a series of Character Sketches, which provide a contemporary account of the convention members' personalities. Despite approving of the final Constitution, Pierce did not sign it, as he left the convention early due to business concerns and a decline in the European rice market that adversely affected his business.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Name | William Leigh Pierce |
| Birth Year | 1740 or 1753 |
| Birthplace | York County, Virginia or Georgia |
| Parents | Elizabeth and Matthew Pierce |
| Occupation | Officer in the Revolutionary War, member of the Continental Congress, Georgia state legislator, delegate to the Constitutional Convention |
| Notes | Pierce attended the Constitutional Convention in 1787 and approved of the resulting Constitution, but did not sign it due to business matters |
| Death | 10 December 1789 |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- William Pierce was a Georgia state legislator and Continental Congress member
- He attended the Federal Convention in 1787 but did not sign the Constitution
- Pierce left the convention early due to a decline in the European rice market
- He approved of the Constitution but found the proceedings unnecessary to stay for
- He published Notes of Major William Pierce on the convention in the Savannah Georgian in 1828
William Pierce was a Georgia state legislator and Continental Congress member
William Leigh Pierce (1753-1789) was a Georgia state legislator and Continental Congress member. Although traditionally believed to be a native Georgian, Pierce was born in York County, Virginia, the third and youngest son of Elizabeth and Matthew Pierce. He studied art briefly in Maryland before returning to Williamsburg, Virginia, in the summer of 1775 to practice his skills.
At the outset of the Revolutionary War, Pierce sided with the patriots and fought in Hampton, Virginia, in the autumn of 1775. The following year, he was commissioned as a captain in the First Continental Regiment of Artillery. In early 1779, Pierce resigned his command due to poor health and became an aide-de-camp to General Sullivan. He accompanied his commander on an expedition to upstate New York to suppress the Iroquois Indians, who remained loyal to the British.
In 1786, Pierce sought political office and was elected to represent Chatham County in the Georgia House of Representatives. This body promptly elected him to the Continental Congress, and he also became a delegate to the Constitutional Convention. In 1787, he attended the Congress in New York City and the convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Although he agreed with the outcome of the proceedings, Pierce did not sign the U.S. Constitution, as he had to leave the convention early to tend to business matters.
Pierce's notes on the convention proceedings, including a series of "Character Sketches," were published in the Savannah Georgian in 1828. These notes provide valuable insights into the personalities of the convention members and the political debates of the time.
Who Really Signed the Constitution? John Marshall's Role
You may want to see also
He attended the Federal Convention in 1787 but did not sign the Constitution
William Leigh Pierce, born in York County, Virginia, around 1753, was an officer in the Revolutionary War and a member of the Continental Congress. He represented Chatham County in the Georgia House of Representatives and was elected to the Continental Congress in 1786. The following year, he attended the Federal Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he spoke on various points and recorded a series of "Character Sketches," providing a narrative on the personalities of the convention members.
Despite agreeing with the outcome of the proceedings, Pierce did not sign the U.S. Constitution. He left the convention prematurely in late June due to a decline in the European rice market, which adversely affected his business. Upon his return to Savannah, he faced bankruptcy, having neither the skills of an experienced merchant nor any reserve capital. Pierce's early departure from the convention may have been influenced by the urgent need to address his business crisis.
Pierce's notes on the proceedings of the Federal Convention, including his character sketches, offer valuable insights into the personalities and dynamics of the delegates. His records provide a contemporary perspective on the individuals involved in shaping the nation's foundational document. The character sketches were published in the Savannah Georgian in 1828, long after his death in 1789 at the age of 49.
The impact of Pierce's business troubles extended beyond his absence from the convention. Soon after his return to Savannah, he faced bankruptcy, highlighting the financial challenges that may have contributed to his premature departure from the convention. Despite his approval of the resulting Constitution, his signature was notably absent due to his early departure.
In summary, William L. Pierce attended the Federal Convention in 1787, actively participating in discussions and documenting valuable insights about the delegates. However, he did not sign the Constitution due to his premature departure, which was likely influenced by the decline in the European rice market that severely impacted his business. His notes and character sketches were published posthumously, offering a unique perspective on the individuals involved in shaping the nation's foundational document.
John Blair's Signature: A Founding Father's Mark on History
You may want to see also
Pierce left the convention early due to a decline in the European rice market
William Leigh Pierce, born in York County, Virginia, around 1753, was a member of the Continental Congress and a Georgia state legislator. He was also a delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1787, where he actively participated in the proceedings and recorded a series of "Character Sketches," which provide valuable insights into the personalities of the convention members.
However, despite his involvement and approval of the resulting Constitution, Pierce did not sign the document. This was due to his early departure from the convention, which was prompted by a decline in the European rice market that adversely affected his business.
Pierce's business ventures, including his company, William Pierce and Company, were not as profitable as he had hoped. The decline in the European rice market further exacerbated his financial troubles. As a result, he left the convention at the end of June 1787 to tend to his business affairs.
Upon his return to Savannah, Pierce's financial situation continued to deteriorate. He eventually went bankrupt and passed away at the young age of 49, leaving behind significant debts. Despite his early departure from the convention and his tragic financial struggles, Pierce's contributions to the Constitutional Convention were noteworthy. His detailed notes on the proceedings, published in the Savannah Georgian in 1828, offer valuable insights into the personalities and dynamics of the delegates.
In conclusion, William L. Pierce's early departure from the Constitutional Convention due to the decline in the European rice market highlights the complex interplay between personal circumstances and historical events. His story serves as a reminder of the impact that economic fluctuations can have on an individual's life and their ability to participate in significant political processes.
Washington's Signature: Was It On the Constitution?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
He approved of the Constitution but found the proceedings unnecessary to stay for
William Leigh Pierce was born in York County, Virginia, around 1753. He was an officer in the Revolutionary War (1775-1783) and a member of the Continental Congress. He was also a delegate to the Constitutional Convention and attended the Congress in New York City in January 1787, followed by the convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in May.
Although Pierce approved of the resulting Constitution, he left in the middle of the proceedings due to a decline in the European rice market that adversely affected his business. He returned to Savannah, where he went bankrupt soon after. Pierce's notes on the proceedings of the convention, including "Character Sketches," were published posthumously in the Savannah Georgian in 1828. These sketches provide valuable information and contemporary narratives about the personalities and characteristics of the convention members, such as their eloquence, learning, and political skills.
The "Character Sketches" also include physical descriptions, such as their voices, appearances, and manners. For example, Pierce described Mr. Randolph, the Governor of Virginia, as a young gentleman with harmonious voice, fine manners, and striking physical appearance. He also mentioned Mr. M.c Lurg, a learned physician who had not previously appeared in public life, and Mr. Wythe, who was known for his knowledge of history, learning, and good principles but was not considered a great politician due to his favourable opinion of men.
In addition to the "Character Sketches," Pierce's notes also provide insights into the debates and discussions that took place during the Constitutional Convention. For instance, there was a debate about the election of the first branch of the Legislature, with Mr. Sherman and Mr. Gerry arguing for state legislatures to elect the members, while Mr. Mason and Mr. Wilson preferred the members to be drawn from the people to make the representation actual and ensure that all government rests on the foundation of the people.
Aaron Burr: A Constitutional Conundrum?
You may want to see also
He published Notes of Major William Pierce on the convention in the Savannah Georgian in 1828
William Leigh Pierce (1740/1753–1789) was an officer in the Revolutionary War (1775–83) and a delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1787. He was also a member of the Continental Congress and a Georgia state legislator.
In 1828, the Savannah Georgian published Major William Pierce's notes on the proceedings of the convention. The "Notes of Major William Pierce on the Federal Convention of 1787" provide a detailed account of the debates and discussions that took place during the convention. The notes include "Character Sketches" of the founding fathers, offering valuable insights into their personalities and roles.
In his notes, Pierce describes the convention's proceedings, such as Gov. Randolph's proposal for a federal government consisting of three branches, with a two-branch legislature elected by the people of the states. He also records the opinions of various delegates, including Mr. Sherman, Mr. Gerry, and Mr. Mason, who believed that state legislatures were better qualified to elect members than the people. Mr. Wilson, on the other hand, argued for representation from the people, stating that all governments should rest on the foundation of the people.
Pierce also includes his observations about the delegates' characters and reputations. For instance, he describes Jno. Rutledge, a former Governor of South Carolina, as a renowned orator in his state, but notes that he speaks too rapidly to be considered an agreeable orator. Additionally, Pierce mentions his own character, stating that he served as a soldier in the revolution with honour and propriety and that his services in Congress and the Convention were motivated by the best intentions towards Georgia and the general welfare.
The publication of Pierce's notes in the Savannah Georgian provides a valuable historical perspective on the Constitutional Convention of 1787, shedding light on the debates, personalities, and dynamics of the founding fathers during this pivotal moment in American history.
Benjamin Franklin's Signature: A Founding Father's Legacy
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No, William L. Pierce did not sign the Constitution. He left the convention at the end of June 1787 due to a decline in the European rice market that adversely affected his business.
William Leigh Pierce, born around 1753 in York County, Virginia, was an officer in the Revolutionary War, a member of the Continental Congress, and a Georgia state legislator.
After leaving the Continental Congress, William L. Pierce returned to Savannah, where he went bankrupt due to a lack of business skills and reserve capital.
William L. Pierce died on December 10, 1789, at the age of 49, leaving behind tremendous debts.
William L. Pierce's notes on the Federal Convention of 1787 include his observations on the personalities of the convention members, known as "Character Sketches," and provide valuable insights into the proceedings and the delegates.
