Lives of the Signers to the Declaration of Independence

by Charles Augustus Goodrich

But why was it created?

And who were the men willing to risk their lives by adding their signatures to the bottom of it?

Thomas Jefferson, John Hancock, Benjamin Franklin, and other prominent figures who actively shaped the Declaration are given in depth biographies.

But Charles Goodrich does not just focus upon the more famous of the fifty-signers as he draws evidence from a wide variety of sources to shine light upon even the most obscure of the Declaration’s signatories.

Indeed some of the most fascinating of the lives within this work are those that have more frequently been forgotten.

Goodrich begins the work with a short history of why the Declaration of Independence came into being. It provides an excellent grounding for his biographies of all fifty-six signers and lives that they led, both before and after they had added their names to this famous document.

“The same intrepidity and genius which had raised them to be leaders of the nation at that crisis, carried them forward in the career of glory through a long period of public life. … we are convinced these biographies will be read with pleasure.” The North American Review

This book is worthy reading for anyone interested in how the United States was founded and for people wishing to learn more about the figures that shaped its history in those early years.

Charles Augustus Goodrich was an American author and Congregational minister, who popularized the motto "a place for everything and everything in its place". His book Lives of the Signers to the Declaration of independence was first published in 1829 and he passed away in 1862.

Genres: Nonfiction, American Revolution, History, Biography

416 pages, Paperback

First published April 9, 1832

About the author

Reverend Charles Augustus Goodrich (1790-1862) was an American author and Congregational minister, who popularized the motto "a place for everything and everything in its place".

Reviews

[Caleb]

Frozen Chosen
An idealized biographical sketch of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Portrays them all as selfless heroes of liberty, which many of them were, but I honestly wasn’t sure what was fact and what was the authors spin on it. It got long.

[L.K.Mirza]

I appreciated the information involved, but the fawning overly flowery style became irritating. However, after I saw the publication date, I understood the style was a product of the age. Overall, a good read.

[Thomas]

Turbulent, trying, and fearful times conquered by intellect and courage.

Florid language and a writing style probably typical for the period cause this excellent book to be difficult but rewarding. The author is highly descriptive and perhaps “politically correct “ long before society in general rewarded cowardly prose. A worthwhile read

[Dale]

Written in 1829, this book imparts a totally refreshing view of our founding fathers. I loved the wonderful use of our language, the way it imparts such vivid descriptions of these men. Somehow we have lost that in the ensuing years.
The author gives a brief synopsis of each of these men, their life, their death, and the reader is made aware of information one never learned in any history class. Did you know one of the signers was lost at sea? That another died after a duel? Great reading for all history lovers.

[Ed Barton]

Classic

This is the classic set of biographies of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Written almost 200 years ago, it covers all signers at a very summary level, and isn’t really that engaging a read. Might be enjoyable for a period scholar, but it’s just OK for the casual reader.

[Mary Read]

The signers of the Declaration of Independence

I sons are related to George Read and Benjamin Franklin. I would like to read The Declaration of Independence as I am interested in politics.

[Frank Miller]

Flowery But Appears Factual

The prologue was a great summery of the early history of the causes of the Revolutionary War. The narratives about each signer serves to enlighten. Much is presented that can be found nowhere else.

[Mrs. E.]

1st published in 1834 and reads in that flowery, convoluted style. Use for reference and research, not "light" reading. Not very useful in genealogical research -- mostly details the signers' political and occupational accomplishments. There are some interesting but scattered historical passages.

[Steve Maradian]

Interesting stories of basic information

Enjoyed the writing style, simple reading of historical English prose. Worth reading but don't expect to become knowledgeable about any of the subjects

[John P. Vickers]

A glitch showed i had read it

It will not let me read it!!!!!!!! Please reopen.please reopen so it so it so it so it so it it!!!!!

[Megan]

I knew this was an old history textbook, but somehow had myself convinced it would be interesting. Wrong! I suppose if you had the book in your hands and could just flip through, you would find some interesting facts. I did like how it had long quotes and parts of speeches given by the signers for different events they were involved in. I found it very interesting how different textbooks were in the past compared to now.....they really makes them heroes and sets them as examples for the readers.

[Thomas Funke]

I have partaken on a course to read the biographies of our presidents & founding fathers.

I've been alternating between Presidents & Founding Father's.

I should have started first with this book. It was written in 1848, when much of the information was fresh in our history. Each biography is several pages, giving a summary of ancestry through death.

[Jimmie]

Extraordinary men during extraordinary times

[Eynar Guevara Checa]

I enjoy the book, but the language is a bit difficult to read and the idea sometime i missed.