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Caesar Rodney Research Paper

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Nowadays, people know Caesar Rodney’s name because of the school district. But exactly how many know who Caesar Rodney was and what he did for Delaware? Born in 1728 in Dover, Rodney was the eldest of eight children. He attended the Latin School in Philadelphia and went on to hold many important government jobs. Rodney didn’t let his asthma or cancer affect his career, consequently putting his own needs on hold to continue serving his people. Perhaps his greatest achievements included delegate to the Continental Congress and signer of the Declaration of Independence. Though he had an informal education, he became one of the most important men in Delaware’s history. In addition to being a government official, Caesar Rodney served in the Revolutionary War. Though he never actually saw active duty, he was an important part in Delaware’s militia. He quickly climbed the ranks, gaining the positions of Captain, Colonel, Brigadier General and, finally, Major General. Rodney cracked down on Loyalist support in Delaware during the war. Rodney was a major help to George Washington’s continental army. Delaware had always met or exceeded the quota of both troops and equipment with Rodney at the helm. This dedication to the colony came at …show more content…

Early in his life, he performed various jobs like clerkships, registering wills, and recording deeds. He became Sheriff of Kent in 1755 when he was only twenty-seven and held that position for two years. He served as a Justice of the Peace from 1764 to 1766 and Supreme Court judge from 1769 until the end of the colonial legislature. Rodney and Thomas McKean served as Delaware’s representatives in the Stamp Act Congress in 1765. In 1766, Rodney proposed a bill banning the importation of slaves in Delaware, though it was unpopular outside of Kent county, his birthplace. He was elected to the colonial legislature in New Castle every year except 1771 until the legislature

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