British-born American merchant, and signer of the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the United States Constitution
1734 CE
to 1806 CE
Robert Morris, Jr. (play /ˈmɒrɨs/; January 20, 1734 – May 8, 1806) is a British-born American merchant, and signer of the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the United States Constitution.
He is elected to the Pennsylvania Assembly, becomes the Chairman of the Pennsylvania Committee of Safety, and is chosen as a delegate to the Second Continental Congress, where he serves as chairman of the "Secret Committee of Trade" and as a member of the Committee of Correspondence.
From 1781 to 1784, he serves as the powerful Superintendent of Finance, managing the economy of the fledgling United States.
As the central civilian in the government, Morris is, next to General George Washington, the most powerful man in America.
His successful administration leads to the sobriquet, "Financier of the Revolution."
At the same time he is Agent of Marine, a position he takes without pay, and from which he controls the Continental Navy.
He is one of Pennsylvania's original pair of US senators, serving from 1789 to 1795.
Unwise land speculation right before the Panic of 1796–1797 leads to his bankruptcy in 1798 and he spends several years in debtors' prison.
