Samuel Huntington (statesman) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Samuel Huntington
3rd Governor of Connecticut
In office 1786–1796
Lieutenant	Oliver Wolcott
Preceded by	Matthew Griswold
Succeeded by	Oliver Wolcott
1st President of the United States in Congress Assembled
In office March 1, 1781 – July 9, 1781
Preceded by	None
Succeeded by	Thomas McKean
6th President of the Continental Congress 5th President of the Second Continental Congress
In office September 28, 1779 – March 1, 1781
Preceded by	John Jay
Succeeded by	None
Personal details
Born	July 3, 1731 Windham, Connecticut
Died	January 5, 1796(1796-01-05) (aged 64) Norwich, Connecticut
Political party	Federalist
Signature

Samuel Huntington (born July 3, 1731 – died January 5, 1796) was an important American leader. He was a judge, a statesman (someone involved in government), and a key figure in the American Revolution. Huntington came from Connecticut.

He played many important roles during the early days of the United States. He was a delegate to the Continental Congress. There, he famously signed the Declaration of Independence. He also served as the Governor of Connecticut. Later, he became the first President of the United States in Congress Assembled. This role was the leader of the Congress of the Confederation. This Congress was the main governing body of the first central government of the United States of America. It is important to know that his job was not like the President of the United States today. Today's President is a chief executive created later by the U.S. Constitution.

Early Life and Beginnings

Samuel Huntington was born on July 3, 1731, in Windham, Connecticut. He grew up in a time when the American colonies were part of Great Britain. From a young age, he showed a strong interest in law and public service. He became a successful jurist, which means he was an expert in law and often served as a judge.

A Leader in the Revolution

As tensions grew between the American colonies and Great Britain, Samuel Huntington became a strong supporter of American independence. He was chosen to represent Connecticut in the Continental Congress. This was a group of leaders from all the colonies. They met to decide how to respond to British rule.

Signing the Declaration

In 1776, a very important event happened. Samuel Huntington was one of the brave men who signed the Declaration of Independence. This document declared that the American colonies were free and independent from Great Britain. Signing it was a dangerous act, as it was seen as treason by the British.

Leading the New Nation

After the Declaration of Independence, the colonies formed a new government. This government was set up under the Articles of Confederation. This was the first plan for how the United States would be governed. The Congress of the Confederation was the main ruling body.

President of the Congress

From September 1779 to March 1781, Samuel Huntington served as the President of the Continental Congress. He was then the first person to hold the title of "President of the United States in Congress Assembled." This meant he was the presiding officer, or leader, of the Congress. He helped guide the new nation through the challenges of the Revolutionary War. His role was similar to a speaker of a parliament, not a powerful executive like today's President.

Governor of Connecticut

After the Revolutionary War, Samuel Huntington continued to serve his home state. He was elected as the Governor of Connecticut in 1786. He held this important position for ten years, until 1796. As governor, he helped Connecticut grow and develop in the early years of the United States.

Legacy

Samuel Huntington passed away on January 5, 1796, in Norwich, Connecticut. He is remembered as a key figure in American history. His work as a signer of the Declaration of Independence and his leadership in the early government helped shape the United States. He dedicated his life to public service and the cause of American freedom.

Images for kids

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  The house where Samuel was born in Scotland, CT