John Witherspoon
John Witherspoon (1723-1794) was a Scottish-American Presbyterian minister, academic, and a Founding Father of the United States. Born on February 5, 1723, in Gifford, East Lothian, Scotland, Witherspoon was educated at the University of Edinburgh where he later earned his Doctor of Divinity degree. A staunch advocate for religious and educational reform, he immigrated to America in 1768 to become the sixth president of the College of New Jersey, now known as Princeton University.
Under Witherspoon's leadership, Princeton transformed into a significant center for revolutionary thought and enlightened education, producing many future American leaders including James Madison. Witherspoon’s political influence extended beyond academia as he became an active member of the Continental Congress from 1776 to 1782. He was the only clergyman to sign the Declaration of Independence, demonstrating his commitment to the American cause of liberty and self-governance.
Witherspoon's contributions also included his involvement in drafting the Articles of Confederation and promoting public education and moral philosophy. Returning to Princeton after the war, he continued to mold the minds of future statesmen until his death on November 15, 1794. John Witherspoon's legacy endures through his profound impact on American education and his pivotal role in the founding of the nation.