James Wilson
Another one of the founding fathers who doesn’t receive nearly as much spotlight as some of the more notable ones, James Wilson was still an integral part to the early revolution. He was born in Scotland and moved to the American Colonies to pursue an education. Studying languages and political philosophy, Wilson was one of the earliest men to speak out against the British government.
His works were what inspired many other patriots to agree that a revolution was necessary for the welfare of their lands. When the Continental Congresses were called to order, Wilson was one of the more prominent men who spoke at both.
He was also able to sign the Declaration of Independence. A student of the philosopher Montesquieu, Wilson advocated that their new ideal government needed separation between its powers to ensure tyranny wouldn’t be able to take over the entire system. Throughout the war he continuously published pamphlets to help keep the country’s morale up.
After independence was achieved, Wilson dedicated much of his being to the Constitutional Convention to establish a better government. His efforts even allowed him to become one of the first Supreme Court Justices appointed by George Washington. Wilson died in 1798.