Joseph Gilpin facts for kids
Joseph Gilpin (born August 1, 1725 – died March 30, 1790) was an important American politician. He played a key role in the early days of the United States, especially during the American Revolution. He helped shape the laws and government of Maryland and Delaware.
Early Life and Family
Joseph Gilpin was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania. His parents were Samuel Gilpin and Jane Parker. When he was a child, his family moved to Cecil County, Maryland.
Joseph inherited a large area of land there. He even helped start a main town for Cecil County. He married Sarah Elizabeth Reed, and they had eleven children together.
A Voice for Independence
Joseph Gilpin became a very important person in Maryland. He was one of the first people to speak up for American independence from Great Britain. This was a brave step at the time.
In 1770, he was chosen to be a member of the American Philosophical Society. This group included many smart thinkers and leaders of the time.
Public Service and Politics
Joseph Gilpin served in many important roles. These roles helped create the new American government.
- In 1775, he was a representative at the Provincial Convention in Annapolis. This meeting was important for Maryland's move towards independence.
- In 1776, he joined a group that wrote the first constitution for the state of Delaware. A constitution is a set of rules for how a government works.
- He also served as a delegate to another Provincial Convention in 1777.
- Later in 1777, he joined the Maryland Assembly. This was Maryland's main law-making body.
- He became the main judge, called the Presiding Justice, for the first court in Cecil County. He held this important job until he passed away.
Joseph Gilpin also attended other key meetings. In 1787, he went to the Maryland convention that approved the United States Constitution. This document is the supreme law of the United States.
Later Years
Joseph Gilpin passed away at his home in Cecil County on March 30, 1790. His work helped lay the foundation for the new American nation.
