Pennsylvania assemblyman.

Member of the Pennsylvania Assembly (1756-66, 1769-75); speaker (1775-77). Justice of the peace for Chester County (1757).

One of four Pennsylvania delegates to the Stamp Act Congress (1765).

High sheriff of Chester County (1766-70). Appointed president judge of the court of general sessions and common pleas of the county (1770).

Appointed an associate justice of the supreme court of appeals of Pennsylvania (April 1774). Delegate to the Continental Congresses (1774- 1777). A signer of the Declaration of Independence.

Born in Ridley Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania.