Five signers were captured by the British as traiters, and tortured before they died.

Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.

Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary War; Another had two sons captured.

Nine of the 56 died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.

They signed and pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor.

What kind of men were they?

Twent-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants. Nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means and well educated.

They signed the Decleration of Independance knowing full well that the penelty would be death if they were captured.

Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, lost his ships to the British Navy. He sold his house and property to pay his debits, and died in rags.

Thomas McKeam, hounded and forced to move constantly. He served in Congress without pay, his family in hiding. His posessions taken, poverty his reward.

Vandels or soldiers looted the properties od Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Hayward, Rutlidge and Middleton.

At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson Jr. noted that General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his heasquarters. He quietly urged General Washington to open fire. His home was destroyed and Nelson died bankrupt.

Fancis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife and she died a few months later

John Hart was driven from his wifes bedside as she was dying. Their thirteen children ran for their lives. His fields and grist mill laid to waste. For more than a year he livedin the forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished.

So, take a few minutes while you are enjoying your Fourth of July to silently thank the FIRST AMERICANS our first patriots. It is not much to ask for the price they paid.

PLEASE REMEMBER FREEDOM IS NEVER FREE

SOMEONE HAS GIVEN HIS OR HER ALL AS A GIFT TO YOU

submitted to the Post by Joe Foy