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."

Government of Delaware

Meanwhile McKean was involved in the drafting and adoption of the Delaware Constitution of 1776, the first state Constitution produced after the Declaration of Independence. He was elected to its first General Assembly in 1776 and again in 1778, when he was elected Speaker of the State House of Representatives. Shortly after the capture and imprisonment of Governor John McKinly, McKean served as the Acting Governor of Delaware from September 22, 1777 until October 20, 1777, when he resigned to take up the work of Chief Justice of Pennsylvania. As governor he was primarily occupied in army recruitment and keeping the state government going with the British Army in Philadelphia and British Navy dominating the Delaware River.

Related Topics:
Delaware Constitution of 1776 - Declaration of Independence - John McKinly - Governor of Delaware - Chief Justice of Pennsylvania - Philadelphia - Delaware River

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