Thomas Fitzsimons
An Irish-born Philadelphia merchant, Thomas Fitzsimons joined the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and the First Congress, where he defended public credit, revenue measures, and commercial growth.
Born October 1, 1741 / Died August 26, 1811
On October 1, 1741, in the Kingdom of Ireland, Thomas Fitzsimons was born before emigrating as a child to Philadelphia, where the city's commercial world shaped his life. He entered mercantile business, served in militia organizations, and became active in the Catholic community of Pennsylvania. By the Revolution he was a merchant-politician with deep ties to Atlantic trade.
Fitzsimons served in the Continental Congress, represented Pennsylvania at the Constitutional Convention in 1787, and then entered the First Congress. In national office he supported tariff legislation, revenue measures, and Alexander Hamilton's program for public credit and the Bank of the United States. His committee work made him especially important on questions of commerce and finance.
Fitzsimons helped tie the Constitution to the practical machinery of customs duties, federal revenue, and national credit. His public career also marked the integration of Irish Catholic merchants into the political institutions of the new republic.
Key Contributions
- Thomas Fitzsimons was an Irish-born American Founding Father, merchant, banker, and politician.
- Thomas Fitzsimons was born on October 1, 1741.
- On September 17, 1787, Thomas Fitzsimons signed the United States Constitution in Philadelphia after representing Pennsylvania in the federal convention.
Related Events
Constitutional Convention convenes
From May to September 1787, delegates in Philadelphia abandoned revision of the Articles of Confederation and drafted a new Constitution under George Washington's presidency.
United States Constitution signed
On September 17, 1787, thirty-nine delegates signed the Constitution in Philadelphia and sent the proposed frame of government to the states for ratification.
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