James Wilson, John Dickinson and The Radical Baristas

James Wilson is often seen as the swing vote on independence. Without his vote, and John Morton's Pennsylvania would have went against Independence, severing the union of states needed to take on British rule. Yet there were really four swing votes, as we discuss. We also look at the radical coffee house dwellers who helped stir up a crowd, the military coup that played a role in Pennsylvania's vote. We also look at the Non-Signer John Dickinson and how despite his failure to sign the document, supported the new nation in other ways.

Colonel Franklin, Boss Franklin, And The Iron Declaration Men: Ross, Taylor, Smith, Clymer, Morton

We know Ben Franklin as a printer and a Founder - but what about his role as a military man? Short-lived, but it was probably what catapulted him to enough prominence to represent his colony in the Continental Congress and in London as America's representative prior to Independence. Pennsylvania is highlighted in this cast and we look at some other less-known Signers, including the ironmaster George Taylor and the militia man James Smith.

The Younger Jefferson, Wythe and Harrison

Could he be the most famous alternate in all of history? Thomas Jefferson was not on the first list to be a delegate to Philadelphia representing his state. But its good that he was, because John Adams and Doctor Franklin found him to be the best writer for the independence document. But that's something that seems to have occured to this young man throughout his life - he met the right people. We know so much about what happened to Jefferson after he wrote 'In the course of human events..." but how about the younger Thomas Jefferson. We discuss this. in this episode.. We also discuss Benjamin Harrison and George Wythe, a Signer who was very famous at the time of the signing and may have been poisoned by a jealous nephew.

Pop Stars and Docktors: Hopkinson, Witherspoon, Bartlett and Others

A pop musician of the 18th century was among the Signers Francis Hopkinson, a 'funny looking man' according to Adamas, was a lawyer but also a musician on the side indeed a master of American music. We discuss him, John Witherspoon the famous preacher and college President, and two doctors Josiah Bartlett (now more famous due to the TV show The West Wing, and Matthew Thornton, whose fame mostly resides in New Hampshire.

John Hancock Manhandles England, Samuel and John Adams

He's more than just a large signature. At the John Hancock was seen as the utmost revolutionary, probably the one most in 1776 thought would have been remembered in history as the Foremost Patriot Yet we seem to only remember John Hancock for his signature.We talk about Hancock, and his first physical confrontation with England. Also, Samuel Adams writes a revolutionary college thesis and makes beer and newspapers. While his cousin John moves from moderate, to fervent patriot, to diplomat and visitor to the King he had railed against.

Why Did the Signers Wear Wigs? Roger Sherman, Benjamin Rush and Others

It's a style

The Fifth and Market Moment and the False Thaw

A bit about the events that would cause two Signers and friends, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, to stop talking. And stop writing. and the event that almost broke the silence.