Charles Carroll and Independence Day

On the Acton Institute blog, Noah Barger reminds us of Charles Carroll of Carrollton:

This weekend marks another celebration of America’s birthday of Independence from our colonial rulers. It is typical to praise the founding fathers for what they did in 1776 and the subsequent years to lay down the foundation for this country. Very often, when people talk about the founding fathers they are referring to Washington, Franklin, Adams, Jefferson, or one of the many currently well-known statesmen of the Revolution. This year though, when people sing the praises of the Founding Fathers, I would urge them to think of one more man, Charles Carroll of Carrollton.

All the men that joined together to sign to the Declaration of Independence took a great risk in putting their name on that document. However, not many took as a great a risk as Charles Carroll, a representative from Maryland at the Second Continental Congress. Carroll’s prominence was well known throughout the colonies, and he was considered to be the wealthiest colonist at the time of the signing, as noted by Samuel Gregg is his book Tea Party Catholic. With that wealth brought distinction for his ideals, stemming from his education in Catholic schools and his Catholic faith. By signing the Declaration he risked not only his life, but his entire family fortune as well.

Here's more background on Samuel Gregg's comments about Charles Carroll in Tea Party Catholic ( I have not read the book). Note that Charles Carroll was the last surviving signer of the Declaration. He died in 1832 at the age of 95. Happy Independence Day! My husband and I are getting out of the "big" city to attend Mass and go to a small town Independence Day parade! God bless the United States of America!