William Ellery facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Ellery
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Engraving of Ellery by Henry Bryan Hall
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| 23rd Chief Justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court | |
| In office June 1785 – May 1786 |
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| Preceded by | Paul Mumford |
| Succeeded by | Paul Mumford |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 22, 1727 Newport, Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations |
| Died | February 15, 1820 (aged 92) Newport, Rhode Island |
| Resting place | Common Burying Ground, Newport |
| Occupation | Lawyer |
| Known for | signer of the United States Declaration of Independence |
| Signature |  |
William Ellery (born December 22, 1727 – died February 15, 1820) was an important person in the early history of the United States. He is known as a Founding Father. He was one of the 56 people who signed the United States Declaration of Independence. He also signed the Articles of Confederation for Rhode Island.
Contents
Early Life and Education
William Ellery was born in Newport, Rhode Island, on December 22, 1727. He was the second son of William Ellery, Sr. and Elizabeth Almy. His father was a merchant and taught him when he was young.
William went to Harvard College and graduated in 1747. He was very good at learning Greek and Latin. After college, he went back to Newport.
Becoming a Leader
When he returned to Newport, William Ellery first worked as a merchant. Then he became a customs collector, which meant he collected taxes on goods coming into the port. Later, he worked as a clerk for the Rhode Island General Assembly, which was the state's law-making group.
In 1770, when he was 43, he started working as a lawyer. He also became active in the Sons of Liberty in Rhode Island. This was a group of American colonists who fought against British rule.
Signing Important Documents
In 1776, William Ellery became a representative in the Continental Congress. This was a group of leaders from the American colonies. He took the place of Samuel Ward.
Ellery was one of the 56 people who signed the United States Declaration of Independence in 1776. This document declared that the American colonies were free from Great Britain. His signature on the Declaration is very large, second only to John Hancock's famous signature. He also signed the Articles of Confederation, which was the first constitution of the United States.
Later Career and Beliefs
William Ellery also served as a judge. He was an associate justice of the Supreme Court of Rhode Island from 1780 to 1781. He then became the chief justice from 1785 to 1786.
By 1785, he had become an abolitionist. This means he believed that slavery should be ended. He continued to serve his country as the first customs collector for the port of Newport under the new U.S. Constitution. He held this job until he passed away.
Family and Legacy
William Ellery married Ann Remington in 1750. After she passed away, he married Abigail Cary in 1767. He had 19 children. Many famous people are his descendants, including writers and actors.
Ellery wrote a funny story about his travels from Massachusetts to Philadelphia in the late 1770s. This story was published in a magazine.
The town of Ellery, New York, is named after William Ellery. Also, Ellery Avenue in Middletown, Rhode Island, honors him.
Death and Burial
William Ellery died on February 15, 1820, when he was 92 years old. He was buried in the Common Burial Ground in Newport, Rhode Island. Every year on Independence Day, groups like the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution honor him at his grave.
Images for kids
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Ellery's tomb at Common Burying Ground and Island Cemetery in Newport
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William Ellery's grave inscription
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Site of Ellery's house in Newport on Thames Street near his burial site
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William Ellery by Ole Erekson, engraver
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William Ellery
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William Ellery's daughter, Lucy Ellery Channing
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William Ellery's grandson, William Ellery Channing
See also
