William Blount essays

William Blount essays William Blount's great-grandfather, Thomas Blount, came to the Americas from England in 1660. He first resided in Virginia, then moved to North Carolina, and started his family. William was the eldest in his family, and was born in 1749 while his mother was visiting her father-in-law's Rosefield estate. This was near William was said to have received a good education although little is known. He also apparently had intrest for government since he was little. When the war started in 1776, Blount was appointed paymaster, who was in charge of wages, in the army of North Carolina. Then in 1778 he married Mary Grainier. They had six children, and one became active in Tennessee's govern- He spent the rest of his life in public office. Blount represented North Carolina in Congress. He sat in the lower house of the legislature for 4 years, from 1780-1784. During those years, he was the speaker of the house, and was a public speaker. He served in the upper house from 1788-1790, and spoke for them as well. Blount also took part in national politics, including two Continental Congress sessions in 1782-1783 and 1786-1787. Here he also represented his state of North Carolina. The next highlight in Blounts life, was being apppointed to be a delegate at the Constitutional Convention. At this time, he was 38 years of age. Although he already had a prior commitment to represent his state at the Continental Congress, He attended the Constitutional Convention for all but one month. He was a very quiet person who let other members take part in debates and and arguements, and kept his opinions to himself, whether they were follow- ing or opposing the crowd. He signed the Constitution with hesitation, and said only to make it "the unanimous act of the States in the Convention". Alt ...