Charles Carroll of Carrollton - MD Signer of the Declaration of Independence

Charles Carroll of Carrollton lived longer than any other signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was a Catholic who had studied the law but was forbidden to practice it under British rule. He was born in 1737 and was a small sickly child who was tutored at home. He was sent to Europe in 1748 to continue his studies and returned in 1765. Upon his return he was gifted with 10K acres of land and developed it into a profitable property It would stay in the family until 1923. He married in 1768 and had 7 children three of whom survived to adulthood. He began to participate in the patriot cause in 1773 and became an active participant. He served in the Maryland Senate and was eventually elected to the U.S. Senate as a Federalist. He retired from political life in 1801 and became a prosperous businessman. After the death of Adams and Jefferson in 1826 he was the last living signer. He passed away in 1832. He is buried in the chapel located on the family property called Doughoregan Manor which now consists of 800 acres and is stilled owned by the Carroll Family. Fun Fact - He was the only Roman Catholic Signer and stood 5'3" tall and weighed 135 pds.