Bobby Morris Declaration Signer Imprisoned for Debt

Robert Morris (1734-1806) was a signer of the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, and the U.S. Constitution. He is best known for his role as financier of the Continental Congress. With the national government virtually bankrupt, Morris risked his own personal fortune by purchasing supplies for the army, pressuring the states for cash contributions and securing a major French loan to finance the Bank of North America. In 1789, President George Washington (debtor and debt collector) appointed Morris Secretary of the Treasury, but he declined the office and suggested Alexander Hamilton instead. He spent his remaining years in various public positions, including U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania, but was imprisoned for debt in 1798 after his involvement in several failed speculative schemes. His wife was able to use an annuity to eventually get him out of prison, but he never rebuilt his fortune.