John Dickinson
American, 1732 - 1808
John Dickinson (1732–1808) was an American statesman and lawyer who authored major political documents during the American Revolution. As a delegate to the Continental Congress, he defended colonial rights but favored constitutional resistance over military conflict. Dickinson wrote the 1775 Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms and the Olive Branch Petition, a final appeal to King George III for reconciliation. Believing the colonies were unprepared for total separation and lacked foreign alliances, Dickinson refused to vote for or sign the 1776 Declaration of Independence. Despite this, he subsequently served in the militia and helped draft the Articles of Confederation.