Thomas Lynch Jr. Age at Signing of the Declaration of Independence

Thomas Lynch Jr.: The Young Signer of the Declaration of Independence

Thomas Lynch Jr., born on August 5, 1749, at Hopsewee Plantation in Prince George Parish, Winyah, now Georgetown, South Carolina, played a significant role in the history of the United States as one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. This article delves into his early life, education, personal life, political career, and tragic end.

Early Life and Education

Thomas Lynch Jr. was the son of Thomas Lynch Sr., a member of the Continental Congress who had signed the 1774 Continental Association. When his father fell ill, Lynch Jr. was selected to fill his post in the Congress, which eventually led him to become a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

Education and Background

Lynch Jr. received his education in England, attending prestigious institutions such as Eton College and Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge. He furthered his studies in law and political philosophy at the Middle Temple in London, honing his knowledge and understanding of governance and legal principles.

Personal Life

On May 14, 1772, Lynch Jr. married Paige Shubrick. The couple resided at Peach Tree Plantation, which was located near his homeland plantation. Lynch Jr. was known for his dedication to cultivating the land and actively engaging in political discussions within his community.

Political Career

In February 1775, Lynch Jr. was elected as a member of the Provincial Congress, where he worked alongside other prominent figures such as Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, John Rutledge, and Henry Laurens. Later, on March 23, 1776, Lynch Jr. was appointed as a delegate to the Continental Congress, representing South Carolina.

One of the most significant milestones of Lynch Jr.’s political career was his journey to Philadelphia to sign the Declaration of Independence. Taking his father’s place, he added his signature to this historic document, solidifying his commitment to the cause of American independence.

Role in the Continental Congress

As a delegate to the Continental Congress, Lynch Jr. was one of the youngest members, with Edward Rutledge being younger by three months. After signing the Declaration of Independence, Lynch Jr. returned home with his ailing father. Tragically, his father passed away in December 1776.

Retirement and Tragic End

In early 1777, Lynch Jr. retired from politics due to declining health. However, his retirement was marred by a tragic event. In December 1779, he and his wife set sail on the brigantine Polly, destined for St. Eustatius. Sadly, they disappeared at sea, their fate remaining unknown.

Thomas Lynch Jr. was only 30 years old at the time of his tragic end, making him the youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence to pass away. His commitment to the cause of American independence and his untimely demise serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the Founding Fathers.

Sources:

1. Lynch, Thomas, Jr. | South Carolina Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.scencyclopedia.org/sce/entries/lynch-thomas-jr/
2. Thomas Lynch Jr. – Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Lynch_Jr.
3. Thomas Lynch Jr. | Mount Pleasant, SC – Official Website. Retrieved from https://www.tompsc.com/288/Thomas-Lynch-Jr

FAQs

How old was Thomas Lynch Jr. when he signed the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Lynch Jr. was 26 years old when he signed the Declaration of Independence.

What role did Thomas Lynch Jr.’s father play in the Continental Congress?

Thomas Lynch Sr., the father of Thomas Lynch Jr., was a member of the Continental Congress and had signed the 1774 Continental Association.

How did Thomas Lynch Jr. fill his father’s post in the Continental Congress?

Thomas Lynch Jr. filled his father’s post in the Continental Congress when his father became ill, allowing him to participate in the historic event of signing the Declaration of Independence.

Where did Thomas Lynch Jr. receive his education?

Thomas Lynch Jr. received his education in England. He attended Eton College and Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, and studied law and political philosophy at the Middle Temple in London.

Who did Thomas Lynch Jr. marry, and where did they reside?

Thomas Lynch Jr. married Paige Shubrick on May 14, 1772. The couple resided at Peach Tree Plantation, located near Lynch Jr.’s homeland plantation.

When was Thomas Lynch Jr. elected as a member of the Provincial Congress?

Thomas Lynch Jr. was elected as a member of the Provincial Congress on February 11, 1775.

How did Thomas Lynch Jr. become a delegate to the Continental Congress?

Thomas Lynch Jr. was appointed as a delegate to the Continental Congress on March 23, 1776.

What was the fate of Thomas Lynch Jr. after signing the Declaration of Independence?

After signing the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Lynch Jr. returned home with his ailing father. Unfortunately, his father passed away in December 1776. Lynch Jr. retired from politics in early 1777 due to declining health. He and his wife, while on a voyage to St. Eustatius in December 1779, disappeared at sea under mysterious circumstances.