EVOLUTION: The Declaration of Independence evolved over time from concern and reconciliation with Britain to action – independence and revolution. The events in 1775 and 1776, in New England – Lexington, Concord, Siege of Boston, New York City - had a major impact on the shift of their feelings toward taking action.

ANCESTRY: Almost all signers were of English, Scottish, Welsh, Irish ancestry.

LAWYERS: 24 of the 56 were judges and lawyers.

YOUTH: 20 were under the age of 40 at the time of signing and 3 were in their 20’s.

CONGRESS: – There was no Executive Branch of the Federal government. Congress had to perform legislative duties and perform executive duties in managing and supporting the war effort which was very time consuming.

LONGEVITY: In the 1700’s, people did not live very long. 18 of the 56 signers died before age 60. Many children never reached adulthood for a variety of reasons including cholera, yellow fever, malaria (called Ague), smallpox, typhus, measles, mumps, whooping cough, etc.

TIME AWAY: Travel was difficult and took a long time. In addition, the Signers spent a considerable amount of time away from their homes while serving in Congress and during the war.

RELIGION: Most of the Signers were very religious. Over half (57%) were Anglican/Episcopalian.