Thomas McKean

Thomas McKean (March 19, 1734–June 24, 1817) was an American lawyer and politician from New Castle, Delaware in New Castle County and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was a Signer of the Declaration of Independence, the second President of the U.S. Congress under the Articles of Confederation, Governor of Delaware, Chief Justice and Governor of Pennsylvania. McKean is pronounced as "McKeen."

American Revolution

Stamp Act Congress

At the Stamp Act Congress of 1765, McKean represented Delaware. He proposed the voting procedure that Congress later adopted: that each colony, regardless of size or population, have one vote. This decision set the precedent and the practice was adopted by the Continental Congress and the Congress of the Confederation, and the principle of state equality continued in the composition of the U.S. Senate.

Related Topics:
Stamp Act - Delaware

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McKean quickly became one of the most influential members of the congress. He was on the committee that drew the memorial to Parliament, and, with John Rutledge and Philip Livingston, revised its proceedings. On the last day of its session, when business was concluded, after Timothy Ruggles, the president of the body, and a few other timid members, had refused to sign the memorial of rights and grievances, McKean arose, and, addressing the chair, insisted that the president give his reasons for his refusal. After a pause Ruggles remarked that "it was against his conscience." McKean then rung the changes on the word "conscience" so loudly and so long that a challenge was given and accepted between himself and Ruggles in the presence of the congress, but McKean left the next morning at daybreak, so that the duel did not take place. {{ref|DTG2}}

Related Topics:
John Rutledge - Philip Livingston - Timothy Ruggles

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Continental Congress and Declaration of Independence

In spite of his dual residence in Philadelphia, McKean remained the effective leader for American Independence in Delaware. Along with George Read and Caesar Rodney, he was one of Delaware's delegates to the First Continental Congress in 1774 and the Second Continental Congress in 1775 and 1776. Being an outspoken advocate, his was a key voice in persuading others to vote for the Declaration of Independence. When George Read voted against independence, it was McKean who requested that the absent Caesar Rodney ride all night from Dover, Delaware to break the tie on Delaware's vote in favor of independence. {{ref|DTG3}}

Related Topics:
Philadelphia - George Read - Caesar Rodney - First Continental Congress - 1774 - Second Continental Congress - 1775 - 1776 - Declaration of Independence - Dover - Delaware

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A few days after McKean cast his vote, he left Congress as a Colonel in the Continental Army to command the fourth Battalion of Philadephia "Associators," to assist Washington at Perth Amboy, New Jersey. He was, therefore, not available when most Signers placed their signatures on the Declaration on August 2, 1776. Since his signature did not appear on the printed copy that was authenticated on January 17, 1777, and it is assumed that he signed after that date.

Related Topics:
Washington - Perth Amboy - New Jersey

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U.S. Congress and the Articles of Confederation

Because of his radical record McKean was not reelected to the Continental Congress for 1777, but did return as one of Delaware's delegates for 1778 and served through 1782. He helped draft the Articles of Confederation and voted for their adoption on March 1, 1781. When poor health caused Congress President Samuel Huntington to resign in July 1781, McKean was elected its second president, serving from July 10, 1781, until November 4, 1781. During his term in office, the British Army surrendered at the Battle of Yorktown.

Related Topics:
Continental Congress - 1777 - 1778 - 1782 - Articles of Confederation - March 1 - 1781 - Samuel Huntington - July 10 - November 4 - Battle of Yorktown

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