Check out the ages of some of America’s Revolutionary Generation in 1776:
James Monroe — 18
Aaron Burr — 20
John Marshall — 20
Alexander Hamilton — 19
James Madison — 25
John Jay — 30
Thomas Jefferson — 33
Thomas Paine — 39
John Adams — 40
George Washington — 44
In case you’re slow on the uptick, this list highlights how remarkably young many of the Revolution’s leaders were:
- Teenagers: James Monroe (18), Alexander Hamilton (19)
- 20s: Aaron Burr (20), John Marshall (20), James Madison (25)
- 30s: John Jay (30), Thomas Jefferson (33), Thomas Paine (39)
- 40s: John Adams (40), George Washington (44)
The average age of this group in 1776 was about 29 years old, underscoring how much of the Revolution was led by young men.
Regarding the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, The average age of that glorious group was approximately 44 years old at the time of signing in 1776.
Check it out:
- Average age: 44
- Youngest signer: Edward Rutledge (South Carolina) — 26
- Second youngest: Thomas Lynch Jr. (South Carolina) — 26
- Oldest signer: Benjamin Franklin — 70
Age breakdown…
- 20s: 6 signers
- 30s: 17 signers
- 40s: 17 signers
- 50s: 9 signers
- 60s: 6 signers
- 70s: 1 signer (Franklin)
Here’s an often misunderstood aside: Many famous Revolutionary figures did not sign the Declaration, including:
- George Washington (44)
- Alexander Hamilton (19)
- James Madison (25)
- James Monroe (18)
- Aaron Burr (20)
- John Marshall (20)
Obviously, they became prominent ass-kickers later in the Revolution or were serving in other capacities.
lthough the average signer was 44, more than a dozen signers were age 35 or younger, so the movement combined experienced savvy statesmen with a substantial number of younger epic leaders.
So, I don’t know if the aforementioned was revelatory to you but it was to moi when I first tumbled on to that 411. I know I sure as heck didn’t get that intel from the art world that regularly portrayed the Founders as balding, gelatinous, fat guys that covered their cueball dome with a powdered wig and who wore knickers and stockings.
Our grand experiment in self governance was envisioned, crafted and defended by a large, stellar group of young warriors. As Lionel Nation put it, “Young men (mostly Christian young men) were commanding troops, dropping Brits, crafting constitutions, fighting over political philosophy, creating financial systems, negotiating alliances, and risking their lives, wealth and sacred honor for an idea that had never before been attempted on such a scale. At 21, Alexander Hamilton was already one of the most formidable political minds in the colonies. At 25, James Madison was laying the intellectual foundation for constitutional government. Thomas Jefferson was only 33 when he drafted the Declaration of Independence. John Adams was 40. George Washington, often remembered as an elder statesman, was only 44.”
These young men didn’t squander their lives on stupid skubalon. They exhibited brains and balls during a very difficult time. They embraced responsibility, led courageously, rejected passivity and received a great reward, namely, The United States of America.
Now, compare that young crowd of majestic young men to the young males sitting in church on any given Sunday. Our churches do not crank out revolutionary young men. They crank out revolting, lame, solipsistic salvation-egoists who’re more obsessed with getting likes on social media than they are about slaying dragons and saving nations. And that, my friends, is why our country is in a crap-sling right now: because the American church is spawning wussies, not warriors. I blame effeminate preachers, primarily, for this rank effeminacy amongst our ranks. Yes, the pulpit is the culprit. Preachers should be fired or ignored if they’re not raising strong, Christian men like the illustrious group in this screed. The church is an army, not a gay nightclub.
Clash Ministries is here to do two things, namely, put brains and cojones on Christians.Yep, our holy job is renewing minds (Rom.12:1-2) and emboldening hearts (Prov.28:1). Your generosity helps us throttle the enemy by equipping God’s people to live bold, wild and free in Him. You are a vital part of this ministry and we could not do this without you. Thank you for your faithful gifts and partnership and remember to always … stay rowdy!
Doug Giles is Pastor of Liberty Fellowship in Wimberley, TX, and is the founder of ClashDaily.com
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