Thomas Wharton Jr.

Thomas Wharton Jr. (* 1735 in Chester County, Pennsylvania, † May 23 1778 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania ) was an American politician. Between 1777 and 1778, he was the first president of Pennsylvania.

Career

The exact date of birth as well as the exact birthplace of Thomas Wharton are unknown. He was born during the British colonial period in a Quaker family, and was a successful trader and merchant. Wharton joined very early on the American Revolution and was a member and chairman of the Safety Committee (Committee of Safety) of Pennsylvania. This Committee was entrusted with the drafting of the first constitution of Pennsylvania. This Constitution was adopted on September 28, 1776 and provided for a Government Council consisting of twelve members, chaired by the title "President of Pennsylvania " was wearing. This position corresponded to the later office of Governor.

On March 5, 1777 Wharton was officially elected to that office. In fact, he was already since August 6, 1776, the Tagm where he was Chairman of the Safety Committee, Head of State of Pennsylvania. ( Before the entry into force of the Constitution of the United States in 1788, the 13 colonies were independent states, however, planned a confederation. ) Thomas Wharton retained his office until his death in May 1778. His entire tenure was overshadowed by the events of the War of Independence. The British invaded before then to Philadelphia, and there meets on the Continental Congress was forced to flee. Also, the Government of the State of Pennsylvania Wharton at the top left the city and fled to Lancaster. There Wharton died in May 1778. He was buried with a state funeral with full military honors. Then, his deputy George Bryan took office.

Thomas Wharton was married twice and had eight children. He lived on an estate called " Twickenham " in Montgomery County.