John Penn (North Carolina politician)

John Penn (May 17, 1741 – September 14, 1788) was a signer of both the United States Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation as a delegate of North Carolina.

For other people named John Penn, see John Penn (disambiguation).
John Penn
John Penn
Born(1741-05-17)May 17, 1741
Caroline County, Virginia, US
DiedSeptember 14, 1788(1788-09-14) (aged 47)
Stovall, North Carolina Area, Granville County, North Carolina, US
Resting placeGuilford Courthouse National Military Park
Occupationlawyer
Known forsigner of the United States Declaration of Independence
Signature

Life

Penn was born near Port Royal in Caroline County, Virginia, an only child of Moses Penn and Catherine [Taylor] Penn. He attended at common school for two years as his father did not consider education to be important.[1] At age 18, after his father's death, Penn privately read law with his uncle, Edmund Pendleton. He became a lawyer in Virginia in 1762. In 1774, Penn moved to the Stovall, North Carolina area, where he practiced law until his death in 1788.

Relations

On July 28, 1763, Penn married Susannah Lyne. The couple had three children.[2] Their daughter, Lucy, married John Taylor of Caroline, a political leader from Virginia.

Political career

He served in the Continental Congress from 1775 to 1780.

Legacy

The naval ship USS John Penn was named in his honor.[3]

A historical highway marker honoring Penn was erected in Stovall, North Carolina and was the first one erected by the State of North Carolina (January 10, 1936)[4]

References
  1. Goodrich, Rev. Charles A.Lives of the Signers to the Declaration of Independence. New York: William Reed & Co., 1856. pp. 433–35
  2. http://www.dsdi1776.com/signers-by-state/john-penn/ DSDI 1776
  3. USS John Penn (AP-51/APA-23), Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Naval History Division, Washington
  4. North Carolina Highway Historical Marker Program
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