Lives of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence

by Charles Augustus Goodrich

Excerpt from Lives of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence
Be it remembered, that on the twenty-fourth day of June, A. D. 1829, in the fifty-third year of the Independence of the United States of America, Charles A. Goodrich, of the said District, hath deposited in this office the title of a book, the right whereof he claims as author, in the words following, to wit: - "Lives of the Signers to the Declaration of Independence. By the Rev. Charles A. Goodrich."
In conformity to the act of Congress of the United States, entitled, "an act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts, and books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during the time therein mentioned." And also to an act, entitled, "an act, supplementary to an act, entitled, an act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts, and books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned, and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of designing, engraving, and etching historical and other prints."

Genres: Nonfiction, American Revolution, History, Biography

504 pages, Kindle Edition

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 Gerber. (Right makes Might) · Rating 1 out of 5]

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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. · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 · Rating 2 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Extraordinary men during extraordinary times

[Eynar Guevara Checa · Rating 4 out of 5]

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