Signer Series - William Whipple

William Whipple | Soldier for Liberty | Born January 25, 1730

Born in Kittery (now Maine), William Whipple started life on the water, becoming a ship’s captain by age 21 and later a successful merchant in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. His early seafaring career gave him firsthand experience in colonial trade and shaped his deep connection to the economic and political issues of his time.

As tensions with Britain grew, Whipple turned toward public service. By 1775, he was a leading citizen of Portsmouth and a member of New Hampshire’s Provincial Congress, helping steer his colony toward independence. In 1776, he won a seat in the Continental Congress, voted for independence, and signed the Declaration of Independence on August 2.

But Whipple’s commitment didn’t stop at the desk. During the Revolutionary War, he was appointed Brigadier General of the New Hampshire militia, leading troops at pivotal battles such as Saratoga and helping negotiate the surrender of British General Burgoyne.

After the war, Whipple continued serving his state, including time on New Hampshire’s Superior Court, until he died in 1785. His legacy blends courage in battle, dedication to liberty, and public service, a reminder that independence was won through both ideas and action.