Posted: 7/5/2002 6:19:31 AM EDT
|
The men who sowed the path to freedom 224 years ago were a remarkable group of men. We know them as the signers of the Declaration of Independence. But to the British they were marked men and traitors to the Crown. Here's what happened to the signers of one of the greatest documents in history. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two of their sons were killed serving in the Revolutionary Army. Another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships during the Revolutionary War. These men put their lives and everything they owned on the line. All knew that they would be jailed, tortured or killed if captured. Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts and died broke. Thomas McKean was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family constantly. He served in Congress without pay and died poor. Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Diller, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge and Middleton. At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr. learned that the British General, Cornwallis, had taken over his (Nelson's) home for his headquarters. Nelson urged Washington to open fire on his home, destroying his home and property. Nelson died bankrupt. Francis Lewis had his home and property destroyed. The British jailed his wife, and she died a few months later. John Hart was driven from his home, and he and his 13 children fled for their lives. For over a year, Hart lived in the forest or in caves. Later Hart returned to what was left of his home: he died from exhaustion and a broken heart. |