First President of the United States In Congress Assembled - Samuel Huntington
Samuel Huntington was a Signer of the Declaration of Independence and Articles of Confederation. He also served as President of the Continental Congress and Governor of Connecticut.
Samuel Huntington
Samuel Huntington grew up on his father’s farm and received little formal education.
Despite these circumstances, Samuel had a thirst for knowledge and constantly borrowed books from neighbors.
Before he turned 24, the self-taught young man was able to pass the bar and set up a successful law practice.
Political Rise
Huntington jumped into politics in his mid-30’s, receiving election to the Connecticut Assembly before becoming King’s Attorney (comparable to today’s Attorney General).
In 1773 he was promoted to the colonial Supreme Court, but was removed for this position shortly thereafter due to his outspoken support for the American Revolution.
In October of 1775 Samuel was sent to the Continental Congress where he would spend the majority of the next decade.
Signer/President
Huntington was an early supporter of independence, and he would sign the Declaration in the Summer of ‘76.
Three years later, he would replace John Jay as President of the Continental Congress.
Also a signatory of the Articles of Confederation, Samuel was serving as President when that document was finally ratified. As such, he became the first President of the United States in Congress Assembled.
Governor
After the conclusion of the Revolutionary War, Huntington returned to Connecticut where he simultaneously served as Chief Justice of the State Supreme Court and Lieutenant Governor.
Two years later he was elected as Governor, resigning as Chief Justice in the process.
Samuel spent a full decade in this office, remaining until the day of his death.
During this time he oversaw Connecticut’s ratification convention for the US Constitution, resolved a border dispute between New York and Massachusetts, and assisted in promoting the settlement of the Ohio Territory.
All in all, it was a tremendous career for a farm boy with little formal education.
Here are some other Revolutionary GOVERNORS of CONNECTICUT:
Samuel Huntington only has one biography I am aware of.
‘Connecticut Congressman’ was written in celebration of the bicentennial.
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