John Penn, NC Signer of the Declaration

John Penn lived from 1741 to 1788 and was an only child. He was married once to Susannah Lye, and they have three children together. Penn became active in politics after he moved his family to Williamsboro, North Carolina, after he was tried and convicted of making derogatory remarks about King George III when speaking of taxation and breaking away from the mother country. While this act could deter most people, for Penn, it only solidified his resolve, and he was appointed to the Provincial Congress in NC and then was elected to the Second Continental Congress on September 8, 1775.

By October 12th, he had taken his seat and initially hoped a restoration of relations between the colonies and Great Britain could be achieved; this was not to happen, and he eagerly voted for independence. He not only voted for Independence and signed the Declaration, but also signed the Halifax Resolves. He was a member of Congress until 1777.

Fun Fact: while in Congress, Lauren, the President of the Congress, challenged Penn to a duel, and while the reasons were unknown, it was amicably settled, especially considering that Lauren was an older man, age 54.

Upon returning to North Carolina, he was involved in the Board of War and the Council of State, but did not serve and resumed his law practice. He was also appointed a receiver of taxes for the Confederation, but resigned this position as well. He died a widower, and we know this by his will made in 1784.

He was initially buried on his property but was reinterred under the Signer's monument in Greensboro at the Guilford Court House State Park.