Jonah Patel
The United States Constitution, which lays out the framework for the nation's federal government and its three branches, was signed by 39 individuals on September 17, 1787. All but seven of the signers were native to the thirteen colonies, with the remaining seven being born in Ireland, England, Scotland, and the West Indies. The signers represented a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, with virtually all having participated in the American Revolution. The youngest signer was Jonathan Dayton at 26 years old, while the oldest was Benjamin Franklin, aged 81.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of individuals selected to attend the Constitutional Convention | 74 |
| Number of individuals who attended the Constitutional Convention | 55 |
| Number of individuals who signed the Constitution | 39 |
| Number of signers born in the thirteen colonies | 32 |
| Number of signers who took part in the American Revolution | 39 |
| Number of signers who served on active military duty | 30 |
| Number of signers who signed the Declaration of Independence | 7 |
| Youngest signer | Jonathan Dayton, aged 26 |
| Oldest signer | Benjamin Franklin, aged 81 |
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What You'll Learn
Seven signers were not born in America
The United States Constitution, which lays out the framework for the nation's federal government and delineates how its three branches are to function, was signed by 39 individuals. Of these, all but seven were native to the original 13 colonies. Those seven men were:
- Pierce Butler, born in Ireland.
- Thomas Fitzsimons, born in Ireland.
- James McHenry, born in Ireland; he trained as a doctor and served as a Major and military surgeon during the American Revolution.
- William Paterson, born in Ireland; he immigrated to America as a child and served in various legal positions during the Revolution, including Attorney General for New Jersey.
- Robert Morris, born in England.
- James Wilson, born in Scotland; he read Benjamin Franklin's address endorsing the Constitution.
- Alexander Hamilton, born in the West Indies.
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Benjamin Franklin was the oldest signer at 81
The signing of the United States Constitution was a significant event in the country's history, with 39 individuals signing the document. Of those who signed it, Benjamin Franklin was the oldest at 81, and he also had the distinction of being the first signer to pass away, in April 1790. Franklin was a true polymath and Renaissance man, with a wide range of talents and interests. He was a writer, scientist, inventor, statesman, diplomat, printer, publisher, and political philosopher.
Franklin was born on January 17, 1706, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Josiah Franklin, a tallow chandler, soaper, and candlemaker, and Abiah, a native of Nantucket, Massachusetts Bay Colony. Benjamin was the eighth child of Josiah and the fifteenth overall for his father, who had seventeen children with his two wives. Benjamin's father and all four of his grandparents were born in England, and the family emigrated from there to Boston in 1683.
Franklin's illustrious career saw him become one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Notably, he was one of the few signers of the Constitution who had also signed the Declaration of Independence. Franklin's wisdom and experience were evident, and he played a pivotal role in gaining support for the Constitution. On the final day of the Constitutional Convention, he delivered an address endorsing the document, despite its perceived imperfections, and proposed that the delegates unanimously consent to it. This was a crucial step in ensuring the unanimous support of the states, which was a challenging task at the time.
Franklin's signature on the Constitution, alongside his other achievements, cemented his legacy as one of the most influential intellectuals and leaders in American history. His contributions extended far beyond his signature, as he helped shape the course of the nation and the principles upon which it was founded. Franklin's advanced age at the time of signing only adds to the significance of his involvement, demonstrating his enduring dedication and impact on the founding of the United States.
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Jonathan Dayton was the youngest signer at 26
The United States Constitution, one of the most influential and significant documents in the history of democracy, was signed by a diverse group of men, including those who were born abroad and those native to the newly formed nation. Among them was Jonathan Dayton, who, at the age of 26, became the youngest person to affix his name to this enduring symbol of freedom and governance.
Dayton was born on October 16, 1760, in Elizabethtown, New Jersey, then a colony of Great Britain. He came from a prominent family with a strong legacy of public service; his father, Elias Dayton, served as a militia general during the American Revolution and later became a United States congressman. Jonathan himself embarked on a path of public service, first as a soldier during the Revolutionary War, where he distinguished himself and rose to the rank of captain. After the war, he turned his attention to politics and was elected to the Continental Congress, representing the state of New Jersey.
In 1787, Dayton was selected as one of five delegates from New Jersey to attend the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. Despite his youth, he played an active role in the debates and discussions that shaped the final document. On September 17, 1787, Jonathan Dayton proudly signed the Constitution, becoming the youngest of the 39 signers who were born in America. His signature stands as a testament to the faith that the Founding Fathers placed in the potential and abilities of even their youngest members.
Beyond his role as a Founding Father, Dayton continued to lead a life of service and dedication to his country. He went on to serve in the United States House of Representatives, becoming the youngest person to serve as Speaker of the House at the age of 34. Dayton's political career also included a term as the president of the United States Bank in Cincinnati, further contributing to the economic development of the young nation.
Jonathan Dayton's story is a reminder that youth is not a barrier to making a profound impact on the world. His participation in shaping the Constitution, alongside his subsequent contributions to the early American political landscape, underscores the importance of engaging and empowering young people in the democratic process. His legacy serves as an enduring inspiration for future generations, encouraging them to embrace their potential to shape the course of history.
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39 of the 74 delegates signed the Constitution
The United States Constitution is a document of huge historical significance, outlining the nation's federal government and detailing how its three branches—the legislative, executive, and judicial—should function. The signing of this important document took place on September 17, 1787, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, bringing an end to the Constitutional Convention.
Seventy-four individuals were chosen to attend the Constitutional Convention, but only 55 delegates were present for the signing ceremony. Of these, 39 actually signed the Constitution. Several attendees left before the ceremony, and three of those who remained refused to sign.
The delegates who signed the Constitution represented a cross-section of 18th-century American leadership, with experience in local, colonial, and state government. Virtually all of them had taken part in the American Revolution, with at least 29 having served in the Continental forces, most of them in positions of command. Additionally, seven of the signatories had also signed the Declaration of Independence.
The signatories' names are grouped by state, with the listing of states arranged geographically from north to south. Interestingly, the signers subscribed their names as witnesses to what was done in the convention, rather than on behalf of particular states, as they had done when signing the Articles of Confederation.
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All signers had taken part in the Revolution
The United States Constitution, which lays out the framework for the nation's federal government and delineates how its three branches (legislative, executive, and judicial) are to function, was signed by 39 individuals. These individuals represented a cross-section of 18th-century American leadership, with experience in local, colonial, and state government. All but seven of the signers were native to the thirteen colonies, and virtually every signer had taken part in the American Revolution.
The American Revolution, also known as the Revolutionary War, was a conflict between the British and the American colonists seeking independence. The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which was signed by Benjamin Franklin and brought an official end to the war.
Many of the signers of the Constitution played significant roles in the Revolution. At least 29 of them served in the Continental forces, most of them in positions of command. Seven of the signers had also signed the Declaration of Independence, which was a crucial document in the lead-up to the Revolution.
Some notable examples of signers who took part in the Revolution include William Paterson, James McHenry, and William Blount. William Paterson, who was born in Ireland and immigrated to America as a child, served in various legal positions during the Revolution, including Attorney General for New Jersey. James McHenry, also born in Ireland, served as a Major and military surgeon under George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette. William Blount served as a paymaster in the North Carolina militia during the Revolution and later represented his state at the Continental Congress.
The signers of the Constitution had a diverse range of experiences and backgrounds, but their shared participation in the American Revolution united them in their commitment to shaping the future of their nation. Their contributions during this pivotal moment in history helped lay the foundation for the United States of America as we know it today.
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Frequently asked questions
39 people signed the US Constitution.
All but seven of the signers were native to the thirteen colonies. Pierce Butler, Thomas Fitzsimons, James McHenry, and William Paterson were born in Ireland, Robert Morris in England, James Wilson in Scotland, and Alexander Hamilton in the West Indies.
Jonathan Dayton, aged 26, was the youngest person to sign the US Constitution.
