Lives of the Signers to the Declaration of Independence (ePub)

Charles Augustus Goodrich (1790-1862) was a distinguished American author, pastor, and a prolific writer in the early 19th century. Born into an intellectual family - his brother was the eminent lexicographer Noah Webster's brother-in-law - Goodrich followed a path that mixed religious vocation with historical inquiry. His seminal work, 'Lives of the Signers to the Declaration of Independence,' first published in 1829, is a comprehensive biographical account that provides an in-depth look at the figures who played pivotal roles in the founding of the United States. Goodrich's narrative is grounded in meticulous research, providing readers with a vantage point on the personal and political fortitudes of these early American statesmen. His literary style combines reverence for his subjects with a clarity of prose that makes complex historical issues accessible to the general public. His work not only celebrates the achievements of the signers but also contributes significantly to the historiography of the American Revolution, casting a scholarly light on the characters and virtues that shaped the nation's early direction. By documenting these lives, Goodrich hoped to instill a sense of national pride and moral fortitude in his contemporaries and succeeding generations, hailing the signers as paragons of virtue and governance. His legacy endures in the continued relevance of his historical writings, which remain a staple in studies of American origins and character.