People such as these are often going against the grain—not happy with the status quo. They usually argued with their friends and neighbors about things such as local rules on land boundaries, liquor laws, local school issues, slavery issues and voting rights.
Many a black eye or busted nose were earned by local activists. Some even fought pistol duels over political differences.
Several men who were members of the Continental Congress had opposite thoughts about forming a new nation. They refused to believe that the colonies could survive as a nation without the support of the mighty British military forces or the wisdom of kings, queens and parliaments.
Like today, these politicians gave great speeches, pulled all kinds of sneaky votes, backstabbed their political enemies, got mad and said and did things that weren’t very tactful.
Even though these men were as different as a box of creek gravel rocks, they persevered and did the job of declaring freedom from what many thought was a tyrannical master.
Several members never gave in to the compromise but they were patriots and even fought with the Colonial Army. All these great men made sacrifices to bring the life we enjoy today. They lost fortunes, lands and some even lost their lives so I could be free to write about them.
My personal favorite founding father is John Adams, a fiery little man who fought like a dog for his belief. He was wise, proud and at times, overbearing.
Thomas Jefferson is often called the most admired founding father. Benjamin Franklin is by far the most popular man in the Congress and John Hancock really left his mark on the Declaration of Independence.
But even the most lowly man there played a role and their courage should always be saluted by Americans for as long as the nation last.
And, just between you and me, I hope that will be until the end of time.
(Kay Hively is an author, historian and former editor, reporter and columnist for the Neosho Daily News and Neosho Post.)
My personal favorite founding father is John Adams, a fiery little man who fought like a dog for his belief. He was wise, proud and at times, overbearing.
Thomas Jefferson is often called the most admired founding father. Benjamin Franklin is by far the most popular man in the Congress and John Hancock really left his mark on the Declaration of Independence.
But even the most lowly man there played a role and their courage should always be saluted by Americans for as long as the nation last.
And, just between you and me, I hope that will be until the end of time.
(Kay Hively is an author, historian and former editor, reporter and columnist for the Neosho Daily News and Neosho Post.)
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