by Jeanne Peugh, Director
Fifty-six men signed the document on August 2, 1776, or, in the case of some, shortly thereafter. They pledged their lives! And at least nine of them died as a result of the war. If the Revolution had failed, if their fight had come to naught, they would have been hanged as traitors. They pledged their fortunes! And at least fifteen fulfilled that pledge to support the war effort. They pledged their sacred honor – best expressed by the noble statement of John Adams. He said: “All that I have, and all that I am, and all that I hope, in this life, I am now ready here to stake upon it; and I leave off as I begun that live or die, survive or perish, I am for the Declaration. It is my living sentiment, and by the blessing of God, it shall be my dying sentiment, Independence now, and INDEPENDENCE FOREVER.” (Works of Daniel Webster)
What kind of men were they? Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists, eleven were merchants, and nine were farmers and large plantation owners, men of means, well educated. But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.
There should be no doubt what our task is today. If we truly cherish the heritage we have received, we must maintain the same virtues and the same character of our stalwart forbears—faith in God, courage, industry, frugality, self-reliance, and integrity. We have the obligation to maintain what those who pledged their lives, their fortunes, and sacred honor gave to future generations. Our opportunity and obligation for doing so are clearly upon us. No work is greater than finding our ancestors and completing their work. (Ezra Taft Benson)
I encourage you to go to “Relative Finder” and see how many signers of the Declaration of Independence you are related to.
Akron Ohio Stake News 