|
America's Founding
Fathers - Rhymes |
John Adams
John Adams, political philosopher,
American peace negotiator.
First Vice President, second President,
John Adams, United States of America.
(c) February 23, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Samuel Adams
Samuel Adams was a great orator,
an advocate of freedom.
Success as a founding father,
found
failure as a brewer.
(c) February 13, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Ethan Allen
Ethan Allen led the charge
against Fort Ticonderoga,
Ethan Allen demanded surrender,
forced the British to deliver.
(c) February 14, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Benedict Arnold
Benedict Arnold a patriot hero,
in the Battle of Saratoga.
Then betrayed the patriot cause,
became a traitor, not a hero.
(c) February 13, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Penelope Barker
In
North Carolina there was a party,
Edenton’s hostess Penelope Barker.
threw the tea into the sea,
protesting British taxes.
(c) February 16, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com
|
Margaret Kate (Moore) Barry
Margaret Kate Barry rode like fury,
to raise the local militia.
On horse back ford the Tyger River,
to warn of advancing soldiers.
(c) February 17, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Josiah Bartlett
Joshiah Bartlett cast the first vote,
Independence from Great Britain.
Joshiah signed the Declaration,
became first Governor of New Hampshire.
(c) February 21, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Richard Bland
Richard Bland wrote an “Inquiry,
into the Rights of the British Colonies.”
Views expressed, expressed again,
in the
first Continental Congress.
(c) February 23, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Carter
Braxton
Carter Braxton, signer of Declaration,
used his wealth to support the cause.
Braxton lost all his wealth,
lived
out his days without.
(c) February 21, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Daniel Boone
Daniel Boone the mountain man,
blazed the wilderness road.
Fought the war in the wilderness,
in Kentucky’s wild woods.
(c) February 18, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Elias
Boudinot
Elias Boudinot, forth president,
United States in Congress Assembled.
Signed the treaty to end the war,
between
United States and Britain.
(c) February 13, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Samuel Chase
Samuel Chase for Maryland signed,
Declaration of Independence.
Only Supreme Court Justice,
to be impeached, later aquitted.
(c) February 21, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Charles
Carroll
Charles Carroll, strong American Patriot,
too late to vote, but signed the Declaration.
Member of the first Federal Congress,
lived longest of all Declaration signers.
(c) February 19, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Abraham Clark
Abraham Clark had a knack for math,
yet a lawyer to serve the poorer.
Declaration signer, is honored by,
Clark
Township, New Jersey.
(c) February 22, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
|
Elijah Clark
Elijah Clark, fought with Pickens at Augusta,
wounded in battle at Alligator Creek.
Forced British withdraw of Atlanta,
defeating twice his force, at Kettle Creek.
(c) February 16, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
George Rogers Clark
Young George Rogers Clark,
proved himself a capable leader.
Others older, even Daniel Boone,
looked to Clark, for leadership.
(c) February 18, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
|
George Clinton
George Clinton voted for,
Declaration of Independence.
No support
for the Constitution,
‘till after the Bill of Rights.
(c) February 23, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
George Clymer
George Clymer, statesman, inventor,
invented the iron printing press.
This man, patriot and leader,
had signed
the Declaration.
(c) February 22, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
William Henry Drayton
William Drayton was a tory,
his writing gained favor of Governor Bull.
Opposed resistance then changed position
lost all favor with… John Bull.
(c) February 17, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
John Dickinson
John Dickinson resisted independence,
yet became a founding father.
Member of the Constitutional Convention,
wrote essays promoting the Constitution.
(c) February 18, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
William Ellery
Active in the Sons of Liberty,
was young William Ellery.
This signer of the Declaration,
advocated abolishment of slavery.
(c) February 22, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Oliver Ellsworth
Oliver Ellsworth, administrator of rebellion,
over the armies of Connecticut.
Contributor to the Constitution,
suggested title, “United States.”
(c) February 20, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Benjamin Franklin
Printer, philosopher, scientist, inventor,
versatile was Benjamin Franklin.
Known also as a founding politician,
helping write the Declaration.
(c) February 13, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
William Floyd
William Floyd lost the farm,
to the British in the war.
Signer of the Declaration,
then to farming, his truest passion.
(c) February 22, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Elbridge Gerry
Elbridge Gerry, first to gerrymander,
designed the districts to his advantage.
Signer of the Declaration,
refused to sign, Federal Constitution.
(c) February 22, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Christopher Gore
Christopher Gore was deemed a Tory,
Citizenship restored by Congress.
With John Jay and William Pinckney,
helped settle the final treaty.
(c) February 20, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Nathaniel Gorham
Nathaniel Gorham, eighth president,
United States in Congress Assembled.
Chair of the Constitutional Convention,
Nathaniel influenced our Constitution.
(c) February 13, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Nathanael Greene
Nathanael Greene, youngest brigadier general,
met George Washington on July fourth.
Becoming friends with Washington,
would later become a Major General.
(c) February 18, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Cyrus Griffin
Cyrus Griffin, tenth president,
United States in Congress Assembled.
Last president of confederation,
before our Constitution.
(c) February 13, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Button Gwinnett
Button Gwinnett, enthusiast,
colonial rights of citizens.
Declaration, his legacy,
false honor, dueled death untimely.
(c) February 22, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Nathan Hale
The
only regret said Nathan,
was only one life to live.
Only “one life to lose for… county”,
hailed Hale, that countrymen live free.
(c) February 13, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Lyman Hall
Lyman Hall revolutionary partisan,
provisioned food, supplies for soldiers.
was one who signed the Declaration,
returned to his plantation.
(c) February 22, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Alexander Hamilton
Alexander Hamilton
young and precocious.
Serving under Washington,
his bayonet charge ferocious.
(c) February 13, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Edward Hand
Edward Hand was intrigued,
by
America’s self-governing experiment.
Joined the service of rebellion,
Planned the siege of Yorktown.,
(c) February 19, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
|
John Hancock
John Hancock, richest in all the colonies,
influenced people for independence.
First to sign the Declaration, prominence sure,
"John Hancock" synonymous with “signature.”
(c) February 13, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
John Hanson
Thomas McKean, third president,
United States in Congress Assembled.
Established coinage, Post Office department,
national bank and first national census.
(c) February 13, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Benjamin Harrison
Benjamin Harrison planned with Washington,
the future of America’s army.
Refused British Executive Council,
declared support for republican principle.
(c) February 17, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
John Hart
John Hart, called “Honest John”,
testimony of his worth.
Signed the Declaration,
then the British destroyed his wealth.
(c) February 22, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Patrick Henry
Patrick Henry a radical patriot,
who wore the title well.
Strongest orator of all the founders,
“… give me liberty or give me death!”
(c) February 13, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Nicholas Herkimer
Nicholas Herkimer, German citizen,
fought in America’s revolution
Horse killed, his leg had been shot,
from under a tree his orders he’d shout.
(c) February 19, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Joseph Hewes
Joseph Hewes earned his wealth,
shipping on the seas.
One who signed the Declaration,
provides a navy, for his new nation.
(c) February 22, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Thomas Heyward Jr.
Thomas Heyward studied law,
yet served the Yankee bylaw,
to signed the Declaration.
Charleston siege, came his apprehension.
(c) February 22, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
|
William Hooper
William Hooper was a signer,
of the Declaration of Independence.
Gave his fortune to fund revolution,
a war of independence.
(c) February 22, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
History teaches from where we've been,
that we might learn from past mistakes.
History teaches proven premise,
that we may project, into the future.
- PoetPatriot
|
Stephen Hopkins
Early supporter of colonial rights,
Stephen Hopkins rebel leader.
Declaration signed with shaken palsy,
Hopkins wrote rules for a rebel navy.
(c) February 23, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Francis Hopkinson
Francis Hopkinson poet, artist,
Declaration of Independence signed.
Designed first American Flag,
and Great Seal of the United States.
(c) February 23, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Samuel
Huntington
Samuel Huntington, first president,
United States in Congress Assembled.
First leader of our new nation,
under
Articles of Confederation.
(c) February 13, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
James Iredell
James Iredell, once a British tax collector,
became an American patriot,
Appointed by George Washington,
to the first U. S. Supreme Court.
(c) February 16, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
|
Andrew Jackson
Young Andrew Jackson,
joined the army at age 13.
British captured young Andrew,
who grew to be a President.
(c) February 16, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
John Jay
John Jay, fifth president,
of the Continental Congress.
Jay helped write the Federalist Papers,
later
helped Franklin negotiate the peace.
(c) February 13, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
|
Thomas Jefferson
by Roger W Hancock
Thomas Jefferson took to pen,
writing our foundation.
Declaration of Independence,
founding of our nation.
(c) February 11, 2008 Roger W
Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Jefferson & Adams
Thomas and John, political adversaries,
in freedom became close friends.
Independence Day saw their deaths,
lived lives as authorities on liberty.
(c) February 13, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
John Paul Jones
Captain John Paul Jones,
refused to offer surrender,
“I’ve not
yet begun to fight!”
sailing into harms way.
(c) February 13, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Thaddeus Kosciuszko
Thaddeus Kosciuszko from Poland,
came to join the liberty cause.
Became a Colonel of Engineers,
to fortify the battle sites.
(c) February 18, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Marquis de Lafayette
Lafayette loved the liberty concept,
reading the Declaration.
Provided arms and wares to the cause,
fought with George at Valley Forge.,
(c) February 18, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
John Langdon
John Langdon, influential founder,
supported a constitution.
John Langdon gave administration,
of Washington’s Oath of Office.
(c) February 18, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Henry Laurens
Henry Laurens, fourth president,
of the Continental Congress.
Later captured by the British,
was exchanged for General Cornwallis.
(c) February 13, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Francis Lightfoot Lee
Francis Lee despised British Stamp Act,
silent on Congress floor, privately impressive.
Gentleman supporter, firm and steady,
signed the Declaration of Independence.
(c) February 23, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Harry Lee
Henry Lee
“Light Horse Harry” they called Harry Lee,
for his surprise attacks on the outposts.
Washington approved Lee’s plan to capture,
the
traitor, Benedict Arnold.
(c) February 16, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Jeremiah Lee
Jeremiah Lee, wealthy shipping merchant,
smuggle weapons for liberty’s cause.
A pivotal role in the war Lee played,
loosing his wealth and life.
(c) February 18, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Richard Henry Lee
Thomas Mifflin, sixth president,
United States in Congress Assembled.
Opposed adoption of the Constitution,
then proposed the 10th Amendment.
(c) February 13, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Thomas Sim Lee
Thomas Lee, Maryland’s patriot.
Articles
of Confederation,
held ‘till western land claims ceded.
His approval birthed a nation.
(c) February 23, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
|
Francis Lewis
Francis Lewis signed Articles of Confederation,
to the founding of a new nation.
British warred, destroyed his home.
after Lewis signed independence Declaration.
(c) February 23, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Philip Livingston
Philip Livingston, contributor to rebellion,
working for independence cause
Livingston signed the Declaration,
lost all holdings to the British.
(c) February 23, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Robert
R. Livingston
Robert Livingston was on the committee,
to draft the Declaration.
Advocated the Federal Constitution,
administered the oath to Washington.
(c) February 23, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Thomas Lynch Jr.
Thomas Lynch patriot leader,
South
Carolina company commander.
Lynch had signed the Declaration,
voyage upon the sea came his disappearance.
(c) February 23, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
James Madison
James Madison was one of three,
who the, “Federalist Papers”, helped to write..
James helped to frame the Bill of Rights,
later
elected fourth, U.S. President.
(c) February 17, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Francis Marion
British called him Swamp Fox,
Francis Marion’s elusive tactics.
Battle of Eutaw Springs, did Marion,
drive the British back to Charleston.
(c) February 18, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
|
John Marshall
John Marshall, our fourth Chief Justice,
Strictly
held to the Constitutional law.
Established the view of Judicial review,
longest term served to foundational law.
(c) February 18, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
George Mason
George Mason’s Virginia Declaration of Rights,
became the bases of our Bill of Rights.
Mason long supported less restriction,
by Britain’s oppressive taxation.
(c) February 18, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Philip Mazzei
Italian Philip Mazzei, American patriot,
wrote of independence and equality.
Mazzei’s writing, influenced profoundly,
on later writings, of Jefferson and Paine.
(c) February 23, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Thomas McKean
Thomas McKean, second president,
United States in Congress Assembled.
Received word of Cornwallis’ Surrender.
McKean was last to sign the Declaration.
(c) February 13, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Hugh Mercer
Hugh Mercer, physician soldier,
served in the Continental army.
Wounded in the battle fought,
hero fallen in battle at Princeton.
(c) February 17, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Arthur Middleton
Arthur Middleton, bold in radical thought,
Succeeded his father to the Congress.
Signature of Middleton found upon,
Declaration of Independence.
(c) February 23, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Henry
Middleton
Henry Middleton second president,
of the Continental Congress.
Declared a traitor by the King,
encouraged independence.
(c) February 13, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Thomas Mifflin
Thomas Mifflin, fifth president,
United States in Congress Assembled.
Received George Washington’s resignation,
final terms, of the treaty, he signed.
(c) February 13, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
James Monroe
Battle of Trenton, James Monroe began,
service to liberty, fight for free land.
Delaware crossed with Washington,
followed George’s steps to be fifth president.
(c) February 18, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Lewis Morris
Lewis
Morris supported independence.
Tho’ his brother warned of ensuing consequence,
Morris signed the Declaration of Independence.
Died upon estate rebuilt, British had burned down.
(c) February 23, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Robert Morris
Robert Morris successful merchant,
most wealthy and influential.
Morris contributed to liberty’s cause,
and signed the Declaration.
(c) February 23, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
John Morton
Arriving late, John Morton, cast.
deciding vote for independence,
Though not last, he came to sign,
Declaration of Independence.
(c) February 23, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
|
Thomas Nelson, Jr.
Thomas Nelson an early rebel,
organized
an independent militia.
From Congress to Virginia’s Convention,
returned to sign the Declaration.
(c) February 23, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Robert Treat Paine
Acquired gunpowder for rebellion,
authored the Olive Branch Petition.
Debated the greatest resolution,
then signed the Declaration.
(c) February 23, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Thomas Paine
Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense,”
an influential book,
Paine became known to all,
an advocated freedom.
(c) February 13, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
William Paca
Chief Justice of his home state of Maryland,
leader in the Patriot movement.
First Federal Congress member,
and one of the Declaration signers.
(c) February 19, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
John Parker
Captain John Parker exclaims,
if to be war, "... let it be here."
Standing there upon the green,
seventy minutemen on Lexington Green
(c) February 13, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
John Penn
John Penn rarely spoke in congress,
though privately talkative for independence.
Votes consistent for separation,
signed the
Declaration of Independence.
(c) February 23, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Andrew Pickens
Andrew Pickens, with the rebel militia,
rose to Brigadier General.
Fought the Battle of Cow Pens,
and the Battle of Eutaw Springs.
(c) February 17, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Benjamin
Pierce
Benjamin Pierce distinguished veteran,
of the
American Revolution.
Serving under General George Washington,
became a Brigadier General.
(c) February 18, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
|
Charles Pinckney
Charles Pinckney, citizen soldier,
valiantly
fought ‘till captured.
After the war continued service,
three terms in Continental Congress.
(c) February 17, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Peyton Randolph
Founding father, Peyton Randolph,
first President of Continental Congress.
Highest office of revolt,
chairman of the Congress.
(c) February 13, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
George Read
Delegate from Delaware,
in Continental Congress
George Read signed the Declaration,
also signed the Constitution.
(c) February 23, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
Paul Revere
Paul Revere told tall stories,
of his midnight ride of liberty.
British captors turned their tail,
from Paul Revere’s victory tale.
|
