The Founders: Thomas McKean

“Our Constitution is the best the world has yet seen.”

Thomas McKean

Thomas McKean was the third member of the Delaware delegation to both Continental Congresses. He voted in favor of the Declaration of Independence on July 3, 1776 but it is a matter of dispute when he actually signed it. It may have been as late as 1781. He was a general in Washington’s Army of the Potomac and seved during the failed defense of New York. This might explain why he had to delay signing the Declaration.

Before the Revolutionary War, Pennsylvania and Delaware were not totally separated and McKean went on to be the chief justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court for 22 years. Before Marshall had ruled (Marbury v Madison) that the judiciary could overturn legislation that violated the state constitution.

McKean died in Philadelphia in 1817 at age 83 and was buried in Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia. He outlived two wives and had ten children. It make me tired just reading about him.