Maryland lawyer and patriot.

Member of the Maryland Assembly (1764-84), the First Continental Congress (1774), and the Second Continental Congress (1775-78).

With Charles Carroll of Carrollton and Franklin, a member of the delegation to Canada (1776). Went to London and reported to Franklin on British affairs (1783). Justice of the United States Supreme Court (1796-1811).

Born in Somerset County, Maryland. Married in 1762 to Anne Baldwin; in 1784 to Hannah Kilty Giles.