Matthew Tilghman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Matthew Tilghman
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | 17 February 1718  |
| Died | 4 May 1790 (aged 72) |
| Occupation | Politician |
Matthew Tilghman (born February 17, 1718 – died May 4, 1790) was an important American leader from Maryland. He owned and managed a large farm, known as a planter. He played a key role in the American Revolution.
Tilghman was a representative for Maryland in the Continental Congress from 1774 to 1776. During this time, he signed the 1774 Continental Association. This was an agreement to stop trade with Britain.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Matthew Tilghman was born on a family farm called The Hermitage. This farm was located near Centreville in Queen Anne's County, Maryland. His grandfather, Richard Tilghman, was one of the first people to settle in Maryland. Richard was a surgeon in the British navy. He started the family farm at The Hermitage. Matthew's father, also named Richard Tilghman, was also a planter.
Matthew received his education from private teachers at home. Later, he moved to Talbot County on the Eastern Shore of Chesapeake Bay.
Marriage and New Home
On April 6, 1741, Matthew Tilghman married Anne Lloyd (1723–1794). The couple made their home on a large plantation in Claiborne, Maryland. This estate was known as Rich Neck Manor.
Early Public Service
Matthew Tilghman began his public service as a justice of the peace for Talbot County. This job involved keeping law and order. In 1751, he was chosen to be a member of the Maryland House of Delegates. This was like a state legislature.
He continued to serve in the House of Delegates until 1775. For a short time in 1760 and 1761, he represented Queen Anne's County. This was allowed because he owned property in both areas. From 1773 to 1775, he was chosen as the Speaker of the House. This meant he led the meetings of the House of Delegates.
Leading the Revolution in Maryland
When the American Revolution began, Matthew Tilghman was a very important leader in Maryland. He was one of the first members of the colony's committee of correspondence. These committees helped different colonies communicate about British rule.
For three years, from 1774 to 1776, he was essentially in charge of the revolution in Maryland. He held several key positions:
- He was the chairman of the Committee of Safety. This group helped protect the colony.
- He was the president of the revolutionary assembly called the Annapolis Convention.
- He led the Maryland group of representatives to the Continental Congress.
Role in the Continental Congress
While at the Continental Congress, Tilghman discussed and supported the Declaration of Independence. He voted for it to be approved. However, he had to leave the Congress before a copy was signed. He was replaced by Charles Carroll of Carrollton.
Tilghman had to return to Maryland to lead a longer meeting of the Annapolis Convention. This meeting was very important because it created a new government for Maryland.
Creating Maryland's Constitution
Besides being president of the Convention, Tilghman led the committee that wrote the Charter of Rights and Plan of Government. This document became Maryland's constitution. When the new state government started in 1776, Tilghman was elected to the state Senate. He served there until 1783. From 1780 to 1783, he was the president of the Senate.
Later Life and Family
.jpg)
In 1771, Tilghman bought more land near his home, Rich Neck Manor. In 1783, he stopped working in public office. He then focused on managing his properties. Matthew Tilghman passed away at his home, Rich Neck Manor, on May 4, 1790. He was buried in the family cemetery there.
Tilghman Family
Matthew and his wife, Anna Lloyd Tilghman, had five children:
- Margaret (1742–1817)
- Matthew Ward (1743–1753)
- Richard (1747–1806)
- Lloyd (1749–1811)
- Anna Maria (1755–1843)
Their daughter Margaret married Charles Carroll, Barrister. Their son Richard served as a major in the local militia during the Revolutionary War. Their daughter Anna Maria married her cousin, Tench Tilghman, on June 9, 1783.
Matthew's son Lloyd built his own home on Sherwood's Neck. This house is known as Sherwood Manor. Sherwood Manor was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. Both Rich Neck Manor and Sherwood Manor are private properties today.
See also
