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Birth: March 21, 1713
Death: December 31, 1802 (age 89)
Colony: New York
Occupation: Merchant, Politician
Significance: Signed The Declaration of Independence (at the age of 63)
Francis Lewis was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Lewis was one of only eight immigrants to sign The Declaration of Independence. Originally born in Llandaff, Wales, Lewis emigrated to New York City at the age of 21 where he grew a successful mercantile business.
In 1775, Lewis was selected to serve in the Second Continental Congress as a representative of New York. Lewis voted for Independence, and he signed The Declaration of Independence. After signing The Declaration of Independence on August 2, 1776, Lewis continued to serve in the Second Continental Congress until 1779.
Upon leaving the Second Continental Congress, Lewis returned to New York City and continued his career as a merchant, and went into business with his son. Lewis died in 1802.
Francis Lewis in Philadelphia
Lewis arrived in Philadelphia as a Delegate to the Second Continental Congress. While serving as a member of the Second Continental Congress, Lewis worked at Independence Hall, and he would eventually sign The Declaration of Independence there. A plaque commemorating Lewis for signing The Declaration of Independence can be found on Signers' Walk on the 600 block of Chestnut Street (between 5th and 6th Streets).
