447 The Other Committee Members: Robert R. Livingston, Roger Sherman, and the Declaration of Independence

Five men served on the Continental Congress’s Declaration Committee. We know three of them well: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin. But who were the other two?

In this episode, we explore the lives and contributions of Robert R. Livingston of New York and Roger Sherman of Connecticut.

Historians Geoff Benton and Michael Morand join us as we uncover the stories of the other Committee members.

Clermont State Historic Site: Website

Show Notes: https://www.benfranklinsworld.com/447

EPISODE OUTLINE

00:00:00 Introduction

00:04:46 The Lee Resolution and the Committee of Five

00:05:26 Robert R. Livingston's Early Life

00:06:56 Colonial New York Politics

00:11:02 Livingston's Appointment to the Second Continental Congress

00:15:20 Why Livingston Chosen for Declaration Committee