Francis Hopkinson

Profession: Claimed Designer of the American Flag

Biography: Francis Hopkinson was an American lawyer most notable for being one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence as a delegate from New Jersey. He also claims to have designed the first official American flag, although this is subject to debate with the popular notion being that Betsy Ross designed the flag.

Hopkinson worked variously as a lawyer and public official, as well selling fabrics and wines in Philadelphia. After signing the Declaration of Independence, he went on to be a judge on the Admiralty Court of Pennsylvania and was later appointed a federal judge by President George Washington.

Beyond this, Hopkinson also wrote many widely circulated poems and pamphlets that were influential in arousing the spirit of the American Revolution. He wrote various satires including one about King George, as well as several more serious essays.

Hopkinson also played the organ and harpsichord, and his musical composition My Days Have Been So Wondrous Free (1759) made him the first American-born composer to pen a major work. This and many of his other pieces were popular at the time.

Born: September 21, 1737
Birthplace: Philadelphia, Province of Pennsylvania, British America
Star Sign: Virgo

Died: May 9, 1791 (aged 53)
Cause of Death: Sudden apoplectic seizure