South Carolina Hall Of Fame: Thomas Lynch, Sr.

Thomas Lynch, Sr. was admired by the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, and they marked their high regard with the blank space they created solely for his signature. He is the only founding father whose son was elected to replace his father.

Lynch was elected to represent the colony of South Carolina in the Commons House of Assembly in 1751. He was chosen because of his work with George Washington and the Continental Army. He was one of the most successful indigo and rice planters, the second wealthiest individual, and a leading statesman in the Colony between 1751 and 1776.

Lynch sacrificed his own fortune through his deep commitment to independence. He had the respect of the Second Continental Congress to influence the appointment of George Washington as the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, even though Washington was not the first choice of many. Lynch convinced the New England delegation through John Adams and then convinced the Southern delegation and the career of Washington began.

Mr. Lynch's achievements upon the world stage between 1751 and 1776 were as a leader in the Stamp Act Congress, the 1st and 2nd Continental Congresses, and as a representative of the Congress to George Washington. Lynch spearheaded the idea that the Legislative Branch of Congress should consist of two houses, one to represent the area and one to represent population.