Witherspoon loved America

This is an American history educational moment of those who made a difference during the Revolutionary War era and how they served our country.

In Feb. 5, 1723, John Witherspoon was born in Yester, Scotland. Being a prodigy, John was reading at four and started college at 13. He graduated with a master’s degree at 16 from the University of Edinburgh and his doctorate at 23 from the University of St. Andrews.

Witherspoon, being a charismatic minister, was persuaded by Founding Fathers that he was needed as the president of the College of New Jersey, now Princeton University. Even though John and his wife sailed to America in 1768.

During his tenure, John wanted Princeton to be a premier university. As a result, Witherspoon made changes, including scholarships for the poor, community involvement, expanded the curriculum, and taught all students to be ideal and notable leaders. For example, John personally mentored James Madison, who helped shaped the U.S. Constitution and became the fourth president.

Witherspoon loved America from the moment he arrived and educated students about democracy. As a new member of Congress in June 1776, John voted for independence and was “the only clergyman to sign the Declaration of Independence.”

When the Revolutionary War reached the campus, Witherspoon suspended classes. The British burned the university, including the library, destroying many of Witherspoon’s scholarly works. This tormented John, but not compared to the anguish from his son’s death at the Battle of Germantown.   

Witherspoon forged ahead while rebuilding the university and participated in the convention that endorsed the Constitution. In addition, John was active on many committees, including one that recognized New Jersey as the third state.

During the next several years, John’s wife died. He remarried and took on additional duties such as criminal justice reform, vital statistics, and the cause to abolish slavery.

During his life, Witherspoon saw success and strife. He oversaw building a renowned university, educated judges including the Supreme Court, congressmen, a vice-president and his student, the fourth president of the United States, James Madison. Another milestone was Princeton hosting the Continental Congress, where the Peace Treaty of 1783 announced “America as an independent nation.”

Witherspoon died at his New Jersey farm on Nov. 15, 1794, at 71. John Witherspoon is saluted as “The man who shaped the men who shaped America.”

Visit your local Charters of Freedom setting on Valley River Avenue in Murphy. A Charters of Freedom setting consists of the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights. They are on permanent display analogous to the Charters of Freedom in the National Archives. Visit FoundationForward.com to learn more.

All teachers are encouraged to contact Dr. Streater for information and complementary student education materials to enhance experiential field trips to a Charter of Freedom settings. Email david.streater@mymail.barry.edu for engraved legacy paver information and educational materials.

Dr. David Streater is director of education for Foundation Forward, 501(c)3. He is a retired college instructor/administrator and a retired probation and parole officer/administrator. David is also a criminologist, served in the Navy and is a resident of Burke County.