Stephen Hopkins

Stephen Hopkins (1707–1785) was a Rhode Island statesman and prominent figure in the American Revolution. Born in Scituate, Rhode Island, he became a successful merchant and public official, serving in the colony’s legislature and as chief justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court. Hopkins was repeatedly elected governor of Rhode Island, where he advocated for colonial rights and opposed British taxation. He represented Rhode Island in the Continental Congress and helped shape revolutionary policy. In 1776 he signed the Declaration of Independence on behalf of Rhode Island. In later years, ill health limited his public service, and he died in Providence.