Samuel Huntington

Samuel Huntington learned the trade of cooper and studied law in Connecticut. He was admitted to the bar in 1758 and became a member of the colonial assembly in 1764. He held a number of judiciary offices in Connecticut during the colonial administration. Huntington was a member of the Continental Congress in 1776, 1778-1781 and 1783, and was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. He was elected president of the Congress on 28 Sep 1779 and served in this office during a period of severe economic problems and military defeats, including the loss of Charleston, South Carolina (12 May 1780).

The Congress affirmed on 28 Sep 1780, that Huntington should continue in office since "no rule or practice of the house limits the term for which the President is elected," but resolved that in the future "the continuance of the President in office shall not be longer than one year" according to the Articles of Confederation, which went into effect on 1 Mar 1781. On 8 May 1781, Huntington requested a leave of absence from Congress. The election date was set on 10 May 1781, but then was postponed. On 6 Jul 1781 Huntington informed the Congress that "his ill state of health will not permit him to continue longer in the exercise of the duties of that office", and requested leave of absence that was granted the same day.

He served as Lieutenant Governor of the State of Connecticut in 1785, and Governor from 11 May 1786 until his death on 5 Jan 1796. [1; 2]