Constitutional Convention Biographies

The Big Ones at least

Roger ShermanAge 66

Lawyer, Cobbler

Pushed for Conn. CompromiseA way of representing both big

states as well as small ones.

“…everything that is connected to him grotesque and laughable; and yet he deserves infinite praise, no Man has a better Heart or a clearer Head."

Became a Congressman and died as a Senator in 1793.

Ben FranklinAge: 81. Inventor, investor,

publisher, diplomat, writer.

Governor of Pennsylvania 1785-87

Suggested they should pray before every meeting.

"the very heavens obey him, and the Clouds yield up their Lighting to be imprisoned in his lightning rod.”

Famous for asking if our republic was a rising or setting sun.

Gouverneur MorrisAge 35. Lawyer, teacher

Strong Federalist (for Central Government)

Wrote the Preamble to the Constitution: “We the People…”

“No Man has more wit, nor can anyone engage the attention more than Mr. Morris."

Became ambassador to Paris after Franklin and Jefferson came back.

US Senator

Alexander HamiltonAge: 30. Lawyer and soldier.

Was Washington’s aid-de-camp during the Revolutionary War

Wrote most of the “Federalist” papers urging New York to accept the new Constitution.

The United States’ first Treasury Secretary (in charge of money).

Was killed in a duel by the Vice-President (Aaron Burr) in 1804.

Mr. Bayne’s least favorite person in history (Just kidding (but not really)).

George WashingtonAge 55

Planter, slave-owner, General in Continental Army

President of the Constitutional Convention

"having conducted these States to independence and peace, he now appears to assist in framing a Government to make the People happy.

“First in War, First in Peace and first in the hearts of his Countrymen.”

James MadisonAge 36, 5’4”, Politician, Slave-owner

“Father of the Constitution”

Created the Virginia PlanThe plan that completely transformed

the United States into a country with a stronger central government

Took notes throughout Convention. They were made public after he died.

Became member of Congress, Secretary of State, and President of the US (1809-1817)