Signer of the Declaration of Independence, born in Elizabeth City, VA, in 1726. His parents died while he was young, and left him in the control of a large fortune, which led him to dissipation. At thirty he began to study law, and was admitted to the Virginia bar in 1757. He became an ardent patriot. As a member of the house of burgesses he acquired great influence. In 1775–77 he sat in the Continental Congress, and was very outspoken for independence and a vigorous prosecution of the war. In 1779–89 he was professor of law at William and Mary College. In December 1786, he was chosen a member of the convention that framed the constitution of the United States. In the latter part of his life he emancipated his slaves and furnished them with means of support until they learned to take care of themselves. In 1786, when the court of chancery in Virginia was reorganized, Wythe was made sole chancellor. While still exercising the duties of this office he was poisoned—it was supposed, by his nephew. He died in Richmond, VA, on the 8th of June 1806.
