Isabella Carter
Thomas Fitzsimons was 46 years old when he attended the Constitutional Convention in 1787. Fitzsimons was born in Ireland in 1741 and immigrated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1760, where he worked as a mercantile house clerk. He later partnered with his brother-in-law, George Meade, a prominent merchant, and established a successful business focused on trade with the West Indies. Fitzsimons entered politics in 1782 as a delegate to the Continental Congress and served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1786 until 1795. He was a supporter of a strong national government and the abolition of slavery.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of Birth | 1741 |
| Age at the Constitutional Convention | 46 |
| Political Affiliation | Federalist |
| Political Career | Delegate to the Continental Congress (1782, 1783, 1787), Member of the US House of Representatives (1789-1795), Delegate to the US Constitutional Convention (1787) |
| Political Views | Supported a strong national government, opposed slavery, supported taxation powers for Congress, favoured a strong navy, co-drafted the 1794 law authorising the first six frigates of the US Navy, opposed the Eleventh Amendment to the US Constitution |
| Profession | Merchant, Businessman, Trader |
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Thomas Fitzsimons was around 46 years old at the Constitutional Convention
Thomas Fitzsimons was an American merchant and statesman from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was born in 1741 in Ireland and moved to Philadelphia around 1760, where he worked as a mercantile house clerk. He began his political career in 1782 as a delegate to the Continental Congress and went on to serve in the Pennsylvania General Assembly. In 1787, at around 46 years old, Fitzsimons attended the Constitutional Convention as a delegate. He supported a strong national government, the end of slavery, and the United States Congress's powers to impose tariffs on imports and exports. He also advocated for equal powers for the House of Representatives and the Senate in treaty-making.
Fitzsimons played a significant role in the early years of the United States government. After the Constitutional Convention, he was elected to the House of Representatives as a Federalist and served in the first three sessions of Congress. He favoured protective tariffs and a strong navy, co-drafting the 1794 law authorising the original six frigates of the US Navy. Fitzsimons was one of nine representatives to vote against the Eleventh Amendment to the US Constitution.
However, Fitzsimons failed to win re-election in 1794, losing to John Swanwick, who carried the majority of Philadelphia's districts with 57% of the vote. This defeat was partially due to public opinion turning against the Federalist Party over their suppression of the Whiskey Rebellion. Despite this setback, Fitzsimons remained active in business and civic endeavours. He became the president of the Chamber of Commerce in Philadelphia and the director of the Bank of North America. He also served as a trustee for Pennsylvania University, demonstrating his continued dedication to public service.
Thomas Fitzsimons's contributions to the Constitutional Convention and his subsequent political career played a significant role in shaping the early years of the United States government. His support for a strong national government and his advocacy for specific policies left a lasting impact on the country's development. Fitzsimons's legacy as a Founding Father and his influence on the Constitution are important chapters in American history.
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He was born in Ireland in 1741
Thomas Fitzsimons was born in Ireland in 1741. He moved to Philadelphia around 1760, where he worked as a mercantile house clerk. In 1761, he married Catherine Meade, and soon after, he began working with his brother-in-law, George, in the trading sector. Their partnership lasted for 41 years.
Fitzsimons entered politics in 1782 as a delegate to the Continental Congress, and he served in this role again in 1783. He was a supporter of the Whig position during the Revolution and was positioned as a captain of the home guard's company. However, his support for battles was limited, and he is only mentioned in reports of the 1776 Battle of Trenton.
In 1787, Fitzsimons was a delegate to the US Constitutional Convention. At 46 years old, he was a supporter of a strong national government, the end of slavery, and the United States Congress's powers to impose tariffs on imports and exports. He also supported granting the House of Representatives equal power to the United States Senate in making treaties.
After the Constitution was established, Fitzsimons served in the House of Representatives from 1789 to 1795. He was one of the two Catholic signers of the United States Constitution.
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Fitzsimons immigrated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1760
Thomas Fitzsimons was born in Ireland in 1741. He immigrated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1760 as a teenager, along with his father, who died shortly after their arrival. In Philadelphia, Fitzsimons started working as a mercantile house clerk and soon began a mercantile business with his brother-in-law, George. Their business in the trading sector of the West Indies proved very successful and continued to be so for 41 years.
In Philadelphia, Fitzsimons also became active in the Irish merchant community. He was a founding member of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick in 1771. In 1774, he joined a steering committee to protest the Coercive Acts. When the Revolutionary War broke out, Fitzsimons became involved in the military efforts. He served as captain of a company of home guards, which he raised under Colonel John Cadwalader. His unit served along the New Jersey coast to defend against invasion and later at the 1776 Battle of Trenton.
Fitzsimons entered politics in 1782 as a delegate to the Continental Congress, where he focused on financial and commercial matters. He was elected to Pennsylvania's Council of Censors and began his first term in the state legislature in 1786. The following year, he was elected to represent Pennsylvania at the Constitutional Convention. Fitzsimons was one of seven immigrants (who were not born in the American Colonies) to sign the United States Constitution. He supported a strong national government, the end of slavery, the United States Congress's powers to impose a tariff on imports and exports, and equal powers for the House of Representatives and the United States Senate in making treaties.
After the Constitution was established, Fitzsimons served in the House of Representatives as a Federalist, where he favoured protective tariffs and a strong navy. He was one of nine representatives to vote against the Eleventh Amendment to the United States Constitution. Fitzsimons failed to win re-election in 1794, and although he never held elective office again, he remained active in civic and business affairs. He served as president of Philadelphia's Chamber of Commerce, trustee of the University of Pennsylvania, director of the Delaware Insurance Company, and director of the Bank of North America from 1781 to 1803. Fitzsimons died on August 26, 1811, in Philadelphia, where he was buried in the cemetery of St. Mary's Catholic Church.
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He was a delegate to the Continental Congress in 1782 and 1783
Thomas Fitzsimons, born in 1741 in Ireland, moved to Philadelphia around 1760 and began working as a mercantile house clerk. He entered politics as a delegate to the Continental Congress in 1782 and 1783. He represented Pennsylvania in the Continental Congress and was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention.
Fitzsimons was an Irish-born American Founding Father, merchant, banker, and politician. He was a signatory of the Constitution of the United States. He was one of two Catholic signers of the United States Constitution, the other being Daniel Carroll of Maryland.
Fitzsimons's political career began in 1782 when he became a delegate to the Continental Congress. He represented Pennsylvania in the Continental Congress and was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1787. He supported a strong national government, the end of slavery, and the United States Congress's powers to impose tariffs on imports and exports. He also supported granting the House of Representatives equal power to the United States Senate in making treaties.
After his time as a delegate to the Continental Congress, Fitzsimons served in the United States House of Representatives from 1789 to 1795. He served in the first three sessions of the House after the Constitution was established. He was a member of the Federalist Party, and he favored protective tariffs and a strong navy. He was one of nine representatives to vote against the Eleventh Amendment to the United States Constitution.
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Fitzsimons was a member of the House of Representatives from 1789 to 1795
Thomas Fitzsimons was born in Ireland in 1741 and immigrated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1760. He entered politics in 1782 as a delegate to the Continental Congress and was later elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, serving from 1786 until 1795. In 1787, he was a delegate to the U.S. Constitutional Convention, representing Pennsylvania. Although not a leading member, he supported a strong national government, the abolition of slavery, and the United States Congress's powers to impose tariffs on imports and exports. He also advocated for granting the House of Representatives equal power to the Senate in treaty-making.
After the Constitution was established, Fitzsimons was elected to the first three sessions of the United States House of Representatives in 1789, serving until 1795. He represented his district in Pennsylvania and was one of the two Catholic signers of the United States Constitution. During his time in the House, Fitzsimons favoured protective tariffs and a strong navy, co-drafting the 1794 law authorising the original six frigates of the United States Navy. He was also active in business and civic endeavours, serving as the president of the Chamber of Commerce in Philadelphia and as a director of the Bank of North America.
In the 1794 re-election, Fitzsimons failed to secure another term, losing to John Swanwick, who carried a majority of Philadelphia's districts. This defeat was attributed to public sentiment turning against the Federalist Party, of which Fitzsimons was a member, due to the forceful suppression of the Whiskey Rebellion. Despite this setback, Fitzsimons remained active in various capacities. He served as head of the committee of merchants overseeing the subscription loan for a warship during the Quasi-War in 1798. Additionally, he supported the establishment of educational institutions such as Georgetown College.
Thomas Fitzsimons passed away on August 26, 1811, in Philadelphia, leaving behind a legacy as one of America's Founding Fathers and a busy statesman who contributed to the formation of the nation's government and economic policies.
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Frequently asked questions
Thomas Fitzsimons was 46 years old when he attended the Constitutional Convention in 1787.
Thomas Fitzsimons was born in 1741.
Thomas Fitzsimons was born in Ireland and immigrated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1760.
Thomas Fitzsimons represented Pennsylvania at the Constitutional Convention and helped to debate, draft, and sign the United States Constitution. He supported a strong national government, the abolition of slavery, and the taxation of exports and imports.
After the Constitution was ratified, Thomas Fitzsimons served in the United States House of Representatives from 1789 to 1795. He was one of nine representatives to vote against the Eleventh Amendment to the United States Constitution.
