Thomas Stone - Signer of the Declaration

Quotes

Tibits

Lives of the Signers to the Declaration of Independence, 1829 by Rev. Charles A. Goodrich

Mr. Stone was a professor of religion, and distinguished for a sincere and fervent piety. To strangers, he had the appearance of austerity; but among his intimate friends, he was affable, cheerful, and familiar. In his disposition he was uncommonly amiable, and well disposed. In person, he was tall, but well proportioned.

National Park Service - Biographical Sketches

Stone entered politics in 1773 as a member of the Charles County committee of correspondence. The next year, on behalf of the Proprietary Governor, he helped prosecute Joseph H. Harrison, a Maryland legislator who had refused to pay the poll tax for the support of the Anglican clergy. This action, despite its legal ethicality, did not endear Stone to the patriots. His opponents, counsel for the defense, consisted of Thomas Johnson, Samuel Chase, and William Paca—all three of whom later became his congressional colleagues.

Bio

Congressional Biographical Directory

STONE, Thomas, (brother of Michael Jenifer Stone), a Delegate from Maryland; born at Poynton Manor, Charles County, Md., in 1743; completed preparatory studies; studied law; was admitted to the bar in 1764 and commenced practice in Frederick, Md.; moved to Charles County, Md., in 1771; member of the State senate 1779-1783; Member of the Continental Congress in 1775, 1776, 1778, and 1784; a signer of the Declaration of Independence; died in Alexandria, Va., October 5, 1787; interment in the garden of his estate, Habre de Venture, Port Tobacco, Charles County, Md.