Caesar Rodney was an American politician, lawyer, and signatory of the Declaration of Independence. Born into an affluent and successful family near Dover, Delaware, his early education consisted of informal home schooling. Following the untimely loss of his father, he entered politics under the guidance of Nicholas Ridgely. He trained to become a lawyer and then, at the age of 22, was appointed High Sheriff of Kent County, a remarkable accomplishment for someone so young. He subsequently held a variety of additional jobs, including Justice of the Peace, captain in the militia, and superintendent of a printing press and lending office. He eventually became an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court and a member of the Continental Congress. He played an important role in the emancipation of Delaware and signed the Declaration of Independence. After that, he was promoted to brigadier general in the Revolutionary Army and chosen president of Delaware. Due to failing health, he was unable to serve in the Continental Congress, but he was awarded a seat in recognition of his achievements.
Youth and Early Life
Caesar Rodney was born on his family’s property in East Dover Hundred, Kent County, Delaware on October 7, 1728. His parents were Caesar and Elizabeth Crawford Rodney. His brother was named Thomas Rodney.
Rodney was primarily home-schooled and instructed by his parents; he had little formal schooling.
At the age of 17, his father died. Caesar was entrusted to Nicholas Ridgely’s custody.
Caesar Rodney’s Career
Caesar, at the age of 22, was named High Sheriff of Kent County, Delaware, where he served for the requisite three years, from 1755 to 1758.
He was subsequently appointed to a number of other positions, including registrar of wills, recorder of deeds, clerk of the orphan’s court, and justice of the peace.
He was named military captain of the Kent County Militia in 1756.
He served as a captain until 1759, following which he oversaw the Delaware printing press and oversaw the printing of Delaware coinage.
Caesar subsequently returned to politics by being elected to the State Assembly. In 1765, he participated in the Stamp Act and was a leader in the Committee of Correspondence.
He served as a member of the Continental Congress from 1774 to 1776.
In 1776, he was recalled from Sussex County to Philadelphia in order to cast the decisive vote for Delaware’s independence. He completed the 80-mile journey and signed the Declaration of Independence upon his arrival on July 2.
He served as a Brigadier General in the Revolutionary Army before being elected as Delaware’s first president. He held this position from 1778 until 2 November 1782, when he resigned owing to deteriorating health.
The General Assembly of Delaware elected him to the United States Congress, but he was unable to attend owing to ill health.
He was elected to the Legislative Council for the 1783-1784 session, and as a sign of appreciation, the council appointed him as their speaker.
Works & Achievements
During the French and Indian War and the American Revolution, he served as a Delaware militia officer.
He was a Delaware-born Continental Congressman.
During the majority of the American Revolution, he served as president of Delaware and as a signatory of the Declaration of Independence.
Personal Life & Trivia
Caesar Rodney was a man with a charming wit and sense of humor.
He never married and produced no offspring.
In the final decade of his life, he suffered from a disfiguring face cancer.
His death occurred on June 26, 1784. He was interred in the Christ Church cemetery in Dover, Delaware.
Estimated Net Worth
Caesar is one of the wealthiest and most beloved politicians in history. According to our research, Wikipedia, Forbes, and Business Insider, Caesar Rodney has an estimated net worth of $1.5 million.
Trivia
On his 80-mile journey to Philadelphia, he encountered a thunderstorm and was greeted at the door by Thomas Mckean wearing “his boots and spurs” just as the voting began.