Over two hundred years ago fifty-six men inscribed their names on a document entitled the Declaration of Independence. In doing so, they pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor to bringing that document into fulfillment. They signed knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were caught by the British. What kind of men were these patriots?

They were well educated and men of means. For instance, twenty-four were lawyers and jurists; eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners. But they were true to their pledge of being willing to sacrifice their lives and fortunes for the fledgling nation they loved. Five were captured by the British as traitors and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured. Nine of them fought and died from wounds or hardships of the war. Carter Braxton of Virginia was a wealthy planter and trader who saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. As a result, he had to sell his home and property to pay his debts and died penniless. Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward for honor. Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge and Middleton. At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over his home for his headquarters. He urged General Washington to open fire on his own home. It was destroyed, and he died bankrupt.

There is more to tell about these brave patriots and it will come next week. But for now, think about the pride that is ours as Americans this fourth of July to know that we come from such stern and noble stock. Truly, God has blessed America - and us. Lonnie Ritchie
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