Charles Thomson (26)

Election date: 1750? (Elected to the Young Junto c. 1750. Elected to the American Philosophical Society in 1768.)
APS Office(s): Secretary of the APS (1769-1771)

Charles Thomson (November 1729–16 August 1824) was a politician, educator, merchant, and translator. He was a member of the American Society, via his membership in the Young Junto, and a member of the American Philosophical Society, elected in 1768, who helped to orchestrate the unification of the two in 1769. After being orphaned during his voyage to North America from his birthplace in Ireland, he attended APS member Francis Alison’s New London Academy. He then worked as a tutor at the Philadelphia Academy, as a master of Latin at what is today William Penn Charter, and served as director of the Library Company. He began his career in politics as secretary to the Lenape-Delaware Indians during the Seven Years’ War. He also attempted various business ventures including merchant and rum distiller. During the American Revolution, he sprang to action: he promoted the non-importation of British goods, published handbills supporting the patriot cause, and served on several extralegal committees, including Philadelphia’s Sons of Liberty. Following the Revolution, he corresponded frequently with Thomas Jefferson on everything from scientific findings to the place of slavery in the new United States. For over fifteen years, Thomson was the secretary to the First, Second, and Confederation Congresses, where he frequently involved himself in foreign affairs. Most notably, Thomson is said to be one of just two people who signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. During his time as secretary, his political views and maneuvering—including his participation in questionable financial arrangements while in Congress—garnered a number of influential enemies. These opponents eventually forced him out of public office. Retired by 1789, he devoted his later years to writing, most notably a translation of the Bible from Greek. His brother-in-law Joseph Mather was also a member of the Young Junto. (PI, DNB, ANB, DAB)

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