Francis Hopkinson
Francis Hopkinson was a multifaceted figure in American history, known for his contributions to politics, music, art, literature, and invention. Born in 1737, he was a member of the first graduating class of the Academy of Philadelphia and later studied law, becoming an attorney in 1761. A prominent political figure, Hopkinson served as a representative in Congress from 1776 to 1777 and as a judge of admiralty for Pennsylvania in 1779. He is particularly noted for signing the Declaration of Independence, which highlights his involvement in the foundational moments of the United States.
In addition to his political endeavors, Hopkinson was an accomplished musician and writer. He published his first song, "Science," in 1762, and later released "A Collection of Psalm Tunes." His satirical work "A Pretty Story Written in the Year of Our Lord 2774" gained attention for its political commentary and was published multiple times, reflecting the cultural and political sentiments of his era. Hopkinson's marriage to Ann Borden in 1768 further anchored his personal life, allowing him to focus on his diverse creative pursuits. His legacy encompasses a blend of artistic and political achievements that influenced the 18th-century American landscape.
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Francis Hopkinson
Author
- Born: October 2, 1737
- Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Died: May 9, 1791
Biography
Francis Hopkinson was a man of many talents in various fields such as politics, music, art, literature, and invention. His best and most remembered work was A Pretty Story Written in the Year of Our Lord 2774. Hopkinson was born to Thomas Hopkinson, an attorney, and Mary Johnson Hopkinson. He attended the Academy of Philadelphia in 1751 as a member of the school’s first class. The Academy later grew to include a college and in 1757, Hopkinson’s class was the first to graduate from the university.
After graduation, Hopkinson went on to study law under the attorney general of Pennsylvania, Benjamin Chew; he was admitted to the bar in 1761. Several years later, after working in customs at the port of Salem, New Jersey, owning a Philadelphia store, and touring England, Hopkinson became a representative of Congress from 1776 to 1777. He then served as judge of admiralty for Pennsylvania in 1779. Hopkinson later became district judge of Pennsylvania in 1790.
In 1762, Hopkinson published his first song, Science, which was one of the many he wrote about the College of Philadelphia and its cultural affect on the colony. He continued to write music and later published A Collection of Psalm Tunes in 1763. His political satire, A Pretty Story Written in the Year of Our Lord 2774, went through several editions; its first appeared during the First Continental Congress meeting in 1774 and another in 1857 before civil war broke out. Hopkinson married Ann Borden, daughter of Colonel Joseph Borden, in 1768. Their marriage allowed Hopkinson to settle down and continue his writing career.
As one of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence, Hopkinson led not only a life of literature, but also a life of politics. Hopkinson’s songs and satires were published in several editions and used frequently for different causes. His odes and political writings made quite an impression on the people of the eighteenth century.