Constitution Signer

 

Rufus King

 

1. Early Life 

a. State of residence: Massachusetts
b. Offices held: Lower House of Massachusetts State Legislature 1783-1785, Confederation Congress  1784-1787
c. Occupation: Public Security Interests, Lending and Investments, Mercantile, Manufacturing, and Shipping, Investor, Lawyer

 

2. Role in the Revolutionary War - in 1778, Mr. King volunteered his services in the enterprise conducted by General Sullivan and Count d'Estaing against the British in Rhode Island, and acted in the capacity of aid-de-camp to the former until 1780.

 

3.  Participation in the Constitutional Convention – Contributions to the final document and final vote

 

While serving in the state legislature (1783–84) and in the Continental Congress (1784–87), King introduced the resolution (Feb. 21, 1787) calling for a convention at Philadelphia to draft a new Constitution.

Arrived in Philadelphia on May 25 representing Massachusetts, except for four days in mid-August, was present for the duration, and signed the Constitution. He served on the most committees and was a supporter of a strong central government.  William Pierce stated, "Mr. King is a man much distinguished for his eloquence and his parliamentary talents.  He may with propriety be ranked among the Luminaries of the present Age."

Importantly, King also took notes on the proceedings, which have been valuable to historians.

 

4.  Federal Government and Congress

            Elected one of the first New York U.S. senators (1789–96)

            Ambassador to Great Britain for eight years (1796–1803) and again in 1825–26.

            Served in Senate again from 1813 to 1825.

 

Death and Legacy:  Died April 29, 1827. His orations and writings were remarkable for their condensation and force of style. His conversation was brilliant and varied.  As a statesman, all parties agreed that he ranked among the first of his age.