Patriot, merchant, lawyer.

Graduated Yale (1758). Admitted to the bar (1761). Leader of the Revolution in Connecticut. Delegate to the First and Second Continental Congresses.

Dispatched by Congress to France to enlist the support of that nation for the American cause (1776). Joined in that effort the following year by Franklin and Arthur Lee. Accused by Lee of embezzling Congressional money, Deane was recalled and censured. He died in exile. Cleared of all charges by Congress in 1842.

Born in Groton, Connecticut. Son of Silas Deane, blacksmith, and Sarah (Barker) Deane of Marshfield, Connecticut.