Solomon Southwick (American Revolution)
| Solomon Southwick | |
|---|---|
| Born |
January 1, 1731 (estimated) Newport, Rhode Island |
| Died | December 23, 1797 (aged 66) Newport, Rhode Island |
| Resting place | Newport Common Burying Ground |
| Occupation | Printer Newspaper publisher and editor |
| Known for | Advocate for Patriot cause during American Revolution |
| Spouse(s) | Ann Gardner Carpenter |
Solomon Southwick (1731- December 23, 1797) was a Newport, Rhode Island printer and newspaper publisher. He was a prominent Patriot during the American Revolution, and printed some of the first copies of the Declaration of Independence after its adoption in 1776.
Solomon Southwick was born in Newport in 1731. At an early age he attracted the attention of Henry Collins, a wealthy merchant and philanthropist, who decided to fund Southwick’s college education. Southwick entered the College of Philadelphia (now the University of Pennsylvania) in 1754, as a member of its first graduating class, the Class of 1757.
He left the college before its first commencement, but received an honorary Bachelor of Arts degree based on his accomplishments in Mathematics and other technical subjects.
Southwick returned to Rhode Island and taught school for several years before beginning a career as a merchant.
In 1764 Southwick purchased the Newport Mercury from the heirs of James Franklin. He became the paper’s editor and publisher. He also operated the Mercury’s associated printing business, and was one of the first book publishers in the North American colonies. He served as a member of the Rhode Island General Assembly in 1776.
Southwick became involved with the independence movement in the 1770s and was the official printer of the Rhode Island General Assembly. Providing an early and well known rallying cry for the movement, Southwick used the Mercury to announce "Undaunted by tyrants, we'll die or be free!”
When the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776 Southwick produced printed copies for the Governor of Rhode Island, as well as copies for sale to the public. His first edition was supposed to be dated July 13, 1776, but was mistakenly dated June 13, which was corrected in subsequent versions.
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