Thomas Lynch Jr.
| Thomas Lynch Jr. | |
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| Born |
August 5, 1749 Georgetown, South Carolina |
| Disappeared | 1779 Atlantic Ocean |
| Occupation | Planter |
| Known for | Signing the Declaration of Independence |
| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth Shubrick |
| Signature | |
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Thomas Lynch Jr. (August 5, 1749 – 1779) was a signer of the United States Declaration of Independence as a representative of South Carolina; his father was unable to sign the Declaration of Independence because of illness.
He was born in Hopseewee Plantation in Prince George Parish, Winyah, in what is now Georgetown, South Carolina, the son of Thomas Lynch and his wife, Elizabeth Allston Lynch. Before Thomas Lynch Jr. was born, his parents had two daughters named Sabina and Esther who were born in 1747 and 1748. After his mother’s death in 1755, his father remarried Hannah Motte, the sister of Isaac Motte. In this marriage, they gave birth to a daughter named Elizabeth in 1755. Lynch Jr.'s family originally emigrated from Austria to Kent, England. From there, they moved to Ireland and continued to South Carolina. His father was a prominent figure in South Carolina politics which contributed to access of opportunity in high education and wealth.
He was schooled at the Indigo Society School in Georgetown before his parents sent him to England, where he received honors at Eton College and at Gonville & Caius College, Cambridge. He studied law and political philosophy at the Middle Temple in London. His father admired his English education and encouraged him to remain in Great Britain to study law and the principles of the British constitution.
After eight years away from the America, he returned to South Carolina in 1772. Although it was his father's dream, Thomas Lynch Jr. decided to end his pursuit of a profession in law.
High school sweethearts, Lynch Jr. and Elizabeth Shubrick were married on May 14, 1772. Following their marriage, the couple lived at Peach Tree Plantation which was located in close proximity to his homeland plantation. Lynch Jr. enjoyed cultivating the land and remained active in political dialogue in his community.
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