John Dickinson

John Dickinson (1732–1808) was an American lawyer, politician, and leading figure of the Revolutionary era, often called the “Penman of the Revolution” for his influential political writings. Born in Maryland and raised in Delaware, he trained in law and became active in colonial affairs. His *Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania* (1767–1768) argued that Parliament could not tax the colonies without representation and helped shape resistance to British policy. Dickinson served in the Continental Congress and was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1787. He later held high office in two states, serving as president of Delaware and president of Pennsylvania.