Signer of the Declaration of Independence, born in Connecticut; graduated at Yale (1747); studied medicine and removed to Sunbury, GA (1752); took an active part in the pre-revolutionary agitation; member of the Savannah conventions (1774–75), and instrumental in deciding Georgia to join the revolted colonies; served in Congress (1775–80); when the British occupied Georgia, all his property was confiscated, and he had to flee for his life; returned to Georgia (1782); governor for one term. He died in Burke County, GA, on the 19th of October 1790.
