Revolution to the Civil War, 1775/1783-1861.--Individual Biography, A-Z.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Samuel Adams was one of the instigators of the Boston Tea Party, called openly for resistance to Great Britain, and signed the Declaration of Independence.

Fisher Ames served in the first U.S. House of Representatives, where he played a prominent role in the ratification of Jay's Treaty.

Aaron Burr earned distinction as a general during the Revolutionary War, and as Vice-President of the United States, but still managed to be disliked and distrusted.

George Clinton served as Governor of New York for 18 years (the longest of any New York Governor) and as Vice-President of the United States twice.

Jonathan Dayton was the youngest member of the Constitutional Convention before serving in both houses of the U.S. Congress.

Benjamin Franklin was quite probably the most accomplished man of his day, excelling in such diverse trades as printing, statesmanship, electricity, and diplomacy.

Albert Gallatin served as Secretary of the Treasury under Thomas Jefferson, in which capacity he cut the national debt by half, despite the $15 million purchase of Louisiana during his tenure.

Elbridge Gerry is probably best remembered for his role in the infamous XYZ Affair of 1797, and for being the namesake of the notorious practice known as "gerrymandering."

Alexander Hamilton served as our nation's first Secretary of the Treasury, in which capacity he saw to it that all debts incurred by the Revolutionary War were paid in full.

Patrick Henry was a Revolutionary era orator and politician who is probably best remembered for a speech in which he said "Give me liberty or give me death!"

Rufus King was a signer of the Constitution, a member of the first U.S. Senate, and Minister to Great Britain.

Richard Henry Lee was the man who introduced the resolutions that ultimately led to the Second Continental Congress drafting the Declaration of Independence.