University of Virginia Library

JOHN PENN

PATRIOT—STATESMAN—SIGNER OF DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

In the galaxy of stars which scintillate in the firmament of
Caroline's history there is no luminary which burns with greater
brilliancy or with steadier flame than that star which represents
John Penn, patriot, statesman and signer of the Declaration of
Independence.

John Penn, according to Sanderson's "Biography of the
Signers," was the only child of Moses Penn and Catherine Taylor;
while in Pittman's biography of Penn we are told that he had a
sister. He was born in Caroline county, near Port Royal, on
May 17, 1741.

John Taylor, "of Caroline" was was several years Penn's
junior, is usually referred to in history as Penn's grandfather,
and sometimes as his son-in-law, and it is barely possible that the
latter statement is true, since the family records show that John
Taylor married a Penn, but it is more likely that Taylor married
a sister of Penn or some relative other than a daughter. It is
no doubt quite true that Penn's mother was the daughter of
one John Taylor, but certainly not of John Taylor, "of Caroline."
It must be borne in mind that James Taylor, progenitor of the
Taylor Family in Caroline and in Virginia, came from Carlisle,
England, in 1635, and that as early as the year 1700, the family

was well established along the Rappahannock, in the territory
which in 1727, became Caroline county.

John Penn's father being possessed of a considerable fortune,
could have educated his son in the best seminaries of the time,
but, having a limited education himself and being quite indifferent
to educational matters, the son reached the age of eighteen with
only two or three years of instruction and that received in a small
inferior school which was located near his home. When Penn
was about eighteen years of age his father died and he became
his own guardian, but instead of devoting his newly-acquired
fortune to the pleasures and frivolities, such as were common to
the youth of the period, he set to work to remedy his defective
education. He became a member of the family of his uncle,
Edmund Pendleton, who, at that time had gained wide reputation
as a lawyer, and by unremitting study, aided by the atmosphere
of this cultured and intelligent family, he made rapid progress.
Having purposed to become a lawyer, he began to "read law"
in the office of his uncle in Bowling Green and so faithfully did
he labor toward the goal which he had set that, upon reaching
his majority, his unceasing application was rewarded by a license
to practice law. Possessing keen intellect, facility of expression
and great industry, he soon became widely known for his eloquence
and skill and especially efficient as a "defense lawyer." It is
recorded by Sanderson in his "Biography of the Signers" that
"he frequently drew tears from a court and jury, while his own
eyes were often suffused with tears by the sympathy of his
sensations." Another of his biographers (Lossing) says: "His
practice soon developed a native eloquence, before inert and unsuspected,
and by it, in connection with close application to
business, he rapidly soared to eminence. His eloquence was of
that sweet, persuasive kind, which excited all the tender emotions
of the soul and possessed a controlling power at times irresistible."

Penn remained in Bowling Green until he was about thirty-three
years of age, when he removed to Williamsboro, Granville
county, N. C., joining certain relatives who had preceded him to
that province. Here he found a wider field, and less competition,
for his rapidly developing legal talent and soon became a recognized
leader, legally, socially and politically, in his new home.

The attitude of Great Britain toward the colony had become
almost unbearable at this time and North Carolina was preparing
to secure redress of her grievances or else to throw off the intolerable

yoke, and in Penn the cause of freedom found a willing
and able champion.

The year after removing to North Carolina he was chosen by
the citizens of Granville county to represent them in the Provincial
Congress which met in Hillsborough in August 1775. His pleasing
address and facility of expression won the instant favor of the
Congress, which recognized his superior ability by placing him
on many important committees, among which were the following:
(1) To confer with such inhabitants as had scruples against joining
the American cause and secure their co-operation; (2) to effect a
temporary form of government; (3) to prepare a civil constitution;
(4) to review and consider statutes and to draft such bills as might
be consistent with the genius of a free people.

The Provincial Congress further honored Penn by electing
him to succeed Richard Caswell as a delegate to the Continental
Congress at Philadelphia. The Provincial Congress of North
Carolina did not purpose primarily a dissolution of political
relations with England, but rather sought first a redress of their
grievances, declaring that, "As soon as the causes of our fears
and apprehensions are removed, with joy will we return these
powers to their regular channels; and such institution as shall be
formed from mere necessity, shall end with the necessity that
created them."

The comprehensive mind of Penn was attentive to the dark
political cloud which hovered over the colony, and sensing England's
unrelenting and uncompromising course, he wrote from the
Continental Congress in Philadelphia to his friend Thomas
Person, under date of February 14, 1776, as follows: "Matters are
fast drawing to a crisis. They seem determined to persevere, and
are forming alliances against us. Must we not do something of
like nature? Can we hope to carry on a war without having
trade or commerce somewhere? Can we even pay any taxes
without it? Will not our paper money depreciate if we go on
emitting? These are serious questions and require your serious
consideration. The consequence of making alliances is, perhaps,
a total separation with Britain and without something of this
sort we may not be able to procure what is necessary for our
defense. My first wish is that America be free; the second, that
we may be restored to peace and harmony with Britain upon just
and proper terms."

Penn returned to North Carolina from the Continental Congress

on April 7, 1776, and found the Provincial Congress in
session. On the day following his return a committee was appointed
by the Provincial Congress to consider, "The usurpations
and violences attempted and committed by the King's Parliament
of Britain against America and the further measures to be taken
for frustrating the same, and for the better defence of the
province."

This committee framed a resolution, which the congress
adopted, authorizing North Carolina's delegates in the Continental
Congress to join other delegates in the congress in declaring
independence and forming alliances. Thus North Carolina,
under Penn's wise leadership, led all other American colonies in
declaring for a complete separation from Great Britain.

While in Philadelphia, in the Continental Congress, Penn did
not lose touch with his people, but strove by every conceivable
means to revive their languishing faith in the American cause,
and to dispel the gloom which was rapidly settling over certain
section of the province. His deep concern over the state of
mind then prevailing in the province is revealed in a letter to his
friend Person, a member of the Council, in which he urges
him in the following strong language: "For God's sake, my
good sir, encourage our people; animate them to dare even to die
for their country!"

The overwhelming defeat of the American Army under General
Gates at Camden, opened the way for Cornwallis to make his
long contemplated excursion into North Carolina and so on the
8th of September following the battle of Camden he began his
march from Camden to the western part of the State. The
patriots at this critical period turned to Penn for leadership in a
unique way, investing him with almost unlimited power. This
dictatorship he exercised in seizing supplies, in disarming Tories
and in animating the despairing people with hope and spurring
them into action.

The expedition of Cornwallis into North Carolina was brief
and disastrous to the English Army. The defeat of Ferguson at
the battle of King's Mountain arrested the progress of the British
and caused Cornwallis to retire into South Carolina.

Penn was successively re-elected to Congress in the years
1777, 1778, 1779 and was North Carolina's senior member during
the last two years of his service. Like all the delegates, he
served almost without compensation. The depreciation of

currency was so great that the entire salary of sixteen hundred
pounds annually proved inadequate, and a decision was reached
to pay the expenses of the delegates and defer fixing compensation
to a future time. Being actuated by patriotism alone, Penn
disregarded the loss of salary, finding his compensation in the
joy of serving his country in the hour of her supreme need. As
a member of the Continental Congress he was conspicuous for his
regular attendance upon the sessions and for his zeal for the cause
of independence.

No legislative body in history ever faced such a staggering
task as that which engaged the powers of this Congress. A
government with all of its departments had to be created; a currency
and credit had to be established; alliances with other
powers had to be formed; an army had to be organized and the
confederation of provinces had to be brought into a more compact
national life. In addition to these legislative labors the Congress
purchased horses, wagons, clothing and other supplies for the
Continental Army, informed the Committees of Safety in the
several provinces of the progress of affairs and, in general, served
as financial agent, commissary general and publicist.

Of Penn and his labors in this stupendous task, Sanderson
says: "Nature had formed him for the effort: indefatigable, cheerful,
optimistic, conciliatory in manner, firm in political principles,
and invigorated by an inextinguishable ardour, he passed through
the crisis with honour to himself and satisfaction to the State."

On July 29, 1779, the General Assembly of North Carolina
directed the Speaker of the House to transmit to Penn its
resolution of thanks, which were, in part, as follows: "The General
Assembly of North Carolina, by the unanimous resolves of both
houses, have agreed that the thanks of the State be presented to
you for the many great and important services you have rendered
your country as a delegate in the Continental Congress. The
assiduity and zeal with which you have represented our affairs
in that Supreme Council of the Continent during a long and painful
absence from your family, demand the respectful attention
of your countrymen, whose minds are impressed with a sense
of the most lively gratitude."

Upon the termination of his services as a member of the
Continental Congress, Penn became a member of the Board of
War of North Carolina, which Board was created by the General
Assembly, at the suggestion of Governor Nash, who complained

that he received no assistance from his Council in the prosecution
of the war. Mr. Penn, owing to the absence of the other members
of the Board, Messrs. Martin and Davis, exercised the powers of
this Board alone, until a prolonged attack of illness forced him
to retire. Shortly after his retirement, Governor Nash, feeling
that the Board infringed upon the dignity of his office, asked the
Assembly to disband it, which was accordingly so done.

In the year 1777 Penn was appointed judge of the court of
oyer and terminer for Hillsborough District, but, questioning the
legality of such a court, he declined the appointment. He was
also one of the three representatives of North Carolina who
ratified the Articles of Confederation in behalf of that State.

In July, 1781, Mr. Penn was appointed by Governor Thomas
Burke, his old colleague in the Continental Congress, as a member
of his Council, but Penn declined in the following words: "My
ill state of health will prevent my undertaking to act in the office
you mention. As I have always accepted every office to which
I have been elected or appointed by my countrymen and have
endeavoured to discharge the duties which have devolved upon
me while in office, I expect my friends will not blame me now for
declining the office you have so kindly offered me."

In March, 1784, Mr. Penn was appointed by Governor Morris
as Receiver of Taxes for North Carolina, an appointment of
high trust, but the position was one which involved much unpleasantness
on account of the increased taxation necessary
to the conduct of the affairs of the colony; and the constant solicitation
on the part of the Receiver's office, which solicitation was
essential to the gigantic task of collecting funds to aid the general
government, made his life in this office most unhappy.

Finding himself a buffer between the taxpayers and the
State legislature, in that he had to be the organ of censure and
complaint to the legislature, he tendered his resignation to the
Governor, stating his reasons for the same, and retired from the
office.

Penn was married to Susannah Lyme, of Granville county,
N. C., on July 28, 1763 and to this union were born three children,
one of whom—William Penn—removed to Virginia, established his
home in what afterward became Henry county and became the
progenitor of the large and influential family of that name,
scattered throughout Virginia and other States. Many direct
descendants of John Penn are widely known tobacconists in

Martinsville and Danville, Va., and in Reidsville, N. C. The
author recalls that he visited Reidsville, N. C., in the year 1912
and preached there, and while in the city was the guest of Mr.
and Mrs. F. R. Penn, whose sons afterward became the heads of
the American Tobacco Company.

Brought up in an atmosphere of refinement, Penn was quite
familiar with the social usages of the most exclusive circles, and
moved with ease and grace in all circles and upon all occasions.
His colleagues in the Continental Congress, recognizing his
superior social tastes, wrote from Philadelphia the following:
"In the social life of Philadelphia we propose that Penn shall
represent the whole State."

From Pittman's Biographical History of North Carolina, we
learn that Penn, while in Philadelphia, became involved in a
personal difficulty with the President of the Congress—Mr.
Laurens, a fellow-boarder, who challenged Penn to a duel. The
"affair of honour" was arranged and when the day arrived Penn
and Laurens, after breakfasting together, set out for the place of
meeting which was opposite the Masonic Hall on Chestnut
street. At the crossing of Fifth street was a deep mud-hole, in
approaching which Mr. Penn offered his hand to Mr. Laurens,
the older of the two, to aid him in crossing over. The hand was
accepted and the magnanimity so impressed Mr. Laurens that he
withdrew his challenge and the matter was amicably settled on
the spot.

Penn died in September, 1788, at his home in Granville
county, N. C., and was buried near Island Creek. In 1894 his
remains were reinterred in Guilford Battle Grounds, a few miles
from Greensboro. A monument twenty feet in height, crowned
with a statue of an orator, holding a scroll in his hand, marks
his grave. Upon the monument is the following inscription: