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Lives of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence

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Lives of The Signers by B. J. Lossing is a unique epic that traces the lives of fifty-seven of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. From John Adams , Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin, to the lesser known men like Dr. Benjamin Rush. Lossing first published his book in 1848, a time when the new nation was young, and fresh. This book was used for many years in our country's public schools. I am pleased that this book is now available again from Wall Builders Press. Permit me to list just a few of the many men whose lives are sketched in this timeless volume.

Josiah Barlett of New Hampshire 1729-1795
William Whipple of New Hampshire 1730-1785
Matthew Thornton of New Hampshire 1714-1803
Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts 1744-1814

All of these men were brilliant statesmen; they had a mind capacity that would far outreach many of our politicians today. These men understood law and government. Not only did they sign the Declaration, many drafted the U.S. Constitution years later. I believe this book belongs on every home-school family's shelf. This is a great read-aloud for the family because the short sketches are easy to follow, and it is very educational. There are many books like this one, for instance, A Worthy Company M. E. Bradford; however, Lives of the Signers is possibly the more in-depth. I heartily recommend this book.

Ever wonder what happened to those men to which we, as Americans, are so deeply indebted who signed a document stating that they were willing to sacrifice their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor? Well, according to the historical accounts presented in this book, many of those men we commonly refer to as the Founding Fathers, actually did sacrifice greatly to help establish and preserve this great nation and the fact that far too little is known of their great sacrifices is a tragedy in itself.

The book walks through the lives of the fifty-six signers of the Declaration of Independence in the order in which they signed - from the three delegates from New Hampshire to the signers from Georgia. Obviously some names are familiar such as John Hancock, John Adams, Samuel Adams, John Witherspoon, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson. But little is known even about these great men regarding the extent of their personal sacrifice to the cause of this nation.

However, the essence of this book is in examining the lives of those lesser known men who gave up just as much, some even more, in the cause of freedom. Men such as Dr. Matthew Thorton from New Hampshire, who interestingly enough was absent on the Fourth of July when the vote was taken on the adoption of the Declaration, but who, approving of the measure, was subsequently given an opportunity to sign it personally. Many of these men were imprisoned during the Revolutionary War and some even suffered tremendous financial distress as they served as the primary funding for the conflict - several never regained their pre-war financial status and some passed away penniless! Most of the men served in various elected offices following the Revolutionary War - from Governors of their newly created states, to Congressmen or Senators representing their state in the national government.

The book is a wonderful historical display of the importance of these fifty-six men who stood in the gap from just a time as this and did what was necessary to confront and combat tyranny in the face of tremendous personal and professional hardship. It is an outstanding reminder to us all that the freedoms that we have an enjoy are not free - they came at great personal cost to many - and it should be a challenge to every American to continue to invest into the maintenance of this great vision for the world - the land of the free and the home of the brave.

I really enjoy reading books from this era (1848) for several reasons. First the style interests me. Second the positive and negative characteristics are sharply different. For example many of the signers are stated to have been good examples of piety. I am forced to wonder what a modern writer would have to say in such regard.

The topic of this work was also of great interest. One thing that struck me was the familiarity of the names. Counties streets, schools all sorts of things have very similar names. Also the amount that these men gave for all of us to enjoy what we do today is astounding. For anyone interested in the founding of the USA this is an excellent read. The book also contains chapters on the articles of confederation, stamp act and the constitution

This book is educational and helpful to all Civics students that are working on this area. It gives an in depth view of the past, and educational look at the present and a great view of the Declaration of Independance that we so love in our country.

I heard about this book by a speaker who is a member of the "Wall Builders" on 'In Touch Ministries." We purchased this for ourselves and one for each of our young grandsons. We feel that it is important for them, for all of us actually, to know who these signers were and about the personal costs of their work for our country.

This is an excellent and inspirational book. Reading of the dedication and sacrifice of the men who literally staked their lives and fortunes to found our nation is humbling and should inspire in us a wealth of gratitude. I heartily recommend this book to every American.

This is an invaluable source of historical perspective on the Declaration of Independence itself as well as the lives of the signers. For anyone interested in the history surrounding the American Revolution it is a must.
It should be in every school library in the nation and the world.

This is such an eye opening book to what all these men wanted for their new country. They all were such men of vision & God fearing men. They wanted more for their children and children of this counties future. They set the goals high and so sad we have not held up our end of their future goals and ideals.

This is a book that every American needs to have in their home and read. It is time to really see who our nations founders really were. They would be rolling over in their graves if they knew what we were doing to this great country that they gave their all to establish.

Lives of the Signers of the Declaration of Independent, by Benson J. Lossing, is a book virtually every American should be familiar with. Published originally in 1848, the book is indispensable to anyone who wants to know their nation's history.

I can't say that I have much faith in the American school systems throughout the land. But considering the excellent public education I received in the 50's and 60's, most of the names in Lossing's work are unfamiliar to me. Obviously most of us are familiar with Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, etc. However, it is the less well known names that really tells the story of America's founding; how such a group could come together and put their individual desires aside for a greater good. The stories told in Lives of the Signers should set the example for our current batch of Congressman; many of whom won't make a decision without taking a poll.

Lives of the Signers is also an example of the type of materials published once in this country.

I highly recommend Lives of the Signers to every literate American.


Peace to all.