Francis Hopkinson

Francis Hopkinson (* October 2, 1737 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, colony of the Kingdom of Great Britain, USA Today, † May 9, 1791 ibid ) signed the Declaration of Independence of the United States, making it one of America's founding fathers.

Life

Hopkinson studied at the College of Philadelphia and decided after graduating in 1763, to prepare for a legal career. After he was admitted to the bar in 1765, he spent two years in England. After his return in 1768 he received a profitable public position in the civil service of New Jersey, which he retained until his participation in the Continental Congress from 1776 to 1777. In 1779 he was appointed judge in the Admiralty of Pennsylvania and 1790 to the Federal District Judge of the same State.

Hopkinson is the author of several songs, many political poems, pamphlets and comedies that found a widespread acceptance due to their humorous satire and powerfully helped to shake the spirit of political independence awake and move forward, which culminated in the American independence movement.

His principal works are " The Pretty Story" 1774, " The Prophecy" in 1776 and " The Political Catchism " 1777 From his songs should be mentioned the following: . " The Treaty ", " The Battle of the Kegs " and "The New Roof, a song for Federal Mechanics ". His best-known satirical pieces are " Typographical Method of Conducting a Quarrel ," " Essay on White Washing " and "Modern Learning". His "Miscellaneous Essays and Occasional Writings " in 1792 brought out in Philadelphia in three volumes.

He died at the age of 53 an attack. Some historians believe that Hopkinson and not Betsy Ross, the official " first flag of the United States ' designed.

Source

• Encyclopædia Britannica of 1881