The Founders: Button Gwinnett

Button Gwinnett

“Nothing is troublesome that we do willingly.” Thomas Jefferson

One of ten signers of the Declaration of Independence born in England, Button Gwinnett emigrated to the colonies in 1762 where he attempted to make a living as a merchant. He was better at politics and although the owner of St Catherines Island and a number of slaves was a struggling planter when he was elected to the provincial assembly. He traveled to Philadelphia in time for the vote on the Declaration of Independence. He voted pro and a few days later signed the document in the upper left hand corner. He was killed in a duel a few years later in a dispute about who lost the battle of Florida.