George wythe, biography, facts, significance, founding father

Wythe had a brilliant legal mind and was a man of integrity. He was important as a revolutionary, but even more so as an educator. Many of his best students became revolutionaries themselves, and two even became President of the Unites States. By the outbreak of the war, Wythe had been serving the Colonial Government in Virginia for close to 30 years.

He played supporting roles in both the Pistole Fee Controversy and John Robinson Scandal during the two decades leading to rebellion. Throughout this time he made a fortune growing his legal practice and gained fame for his intellect and honesty. He sponsored a resolution in Virginia which declared a day of fasting and prayer. The goal was to represent solidarity with the people of Boston, who were suffering the worst hardships due to the new laws.

This decision led to the Royal Governor's dissolution of the House of Burgesses, in essence eliminating any participation the people of Virginia had in their government. In retaliation, the Burgesses set up the Virginia Convention, which became the de facto government of the colony. It would continue as such until independence was declared and a new state constitution written.

The man chosen to replace him was George Wythe.

George wythe education

Wythe voted for independence the following year, but was not in Philadelphia when the signing took place he had returned home to help create his State's new government. Knowing he would return soon, his fellow Virginians left space at the top of their section so that his name might appear first, such was the respect they had for him. After working in the State government throughout the Revolutionary War, George Wythe was elected as a representative to the Constitutional Convention.

Unfortunately, he had to leave early in the proceedings as his wife was sick and needed his attention.