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."

Death and legacy

McKean died June 24, 1817 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and was first buried in the First Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Philadelphia. In 1843 his body was moved to the Laurel Hill Cemetery, also in Philadelphia. Thomas McKean High School in New Castle County, Delaware is named in his honor, as is McKean Street in Philadelphia and McKean County, Pennsylvania. {{ref|RPH2}}

Related Topics:
June 24 - 1817 - Philadelphia - Pennsylvania - New Castle County - Delaware - McKean County

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McKean was a man of vigorous personality, "with a thin face, hawk's nose and hot eyes." He was known for a "lofty and often tactless manner that antagonized many people." "His popularity with his clients was difficult to understand. He seldom mixed with people except on public occasions. Many people found his company insufferable. Still others concluded that he attracted so much business because people simply had confidence in his integrity and impressive credentials." As Chief Justice of Pennsylvania after the war and later as governor of that state, he was frequently the center of controversy. {{ref|DTG4}} {{ref|SI1}}

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