Elected Mayor at the Continental Congress - Samuel Rhoads
Samuel Rhoads was a longtime friend and sometimes business partner of Benjamin Franklin.
He oversaw the operation of many important early Philadelphia businesses but is probably best known as a signer of the Continental Association.
Samuel Rhoads
By the time colonists began to organize against Great Britain, Samuel Rhoads was an established leader in Philadelphia.
A longtime associate of Benjamin Franklin, Rhodes assisted in the creation of many premier businesses in his city. He was a director of both the Library Company and the Philadelphia Contributionship, which was the first modern fire insurance company.
Additionally, despite being an architect, Samuel oversaw the Pennsylvania Hospital for three decades.
Correspondence
During the mid 1760’s Samuel Rhoads oversaw the construction of his friend Franklin’s new house while Benjamin was in London.
Samuel soon became an early and active member of Philadelphia’s Committee of Correspondence.
With his name on the bottom of letters to Franklin there was an added air of trust for the man who was serving as his colony’s surrogate to the crown.
First Continental Congress
When the Continental Congress was called together, Rhoads was elected as a Delegate to represent Pennsylvania.
Halfway through the Congress, the Philadelphia council met up the street and elected Samuel as the city’s Mayor.
Just three weeks later he signed the Continental Association.
Here are some other STORIES involving BEN FRANKLIN:
Poor Richard’s Hoax - Making Ben Franklin Famous
5 Strange Facts About Benjamin Franklin
The French Mourn Franklin and Hilarity Ensues
There are no books about Rhoads, but since we spoke about Benny Franks so much I figured I’d recommend a biography of that famous Founder.
‘The First American’ is a fairly recent publication that is easy to read but gives a thrilling account of the man’s life.
Pick up a copy through the Amazon affiliate link below (you’ll support this site, but don’t worry, Amazon pays me while your price stays the same).
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