Robert Morris (1734–1806)

Robert Morris, known as the "Financier of the Revolution," was a wealthy Philadelphia merchant whose personal credit was essential to the survival of the Continental Army. Though he initially voted against the resolution for independence in hopes of a peaceful settlement, he ultimately signed the Declaration and dedicated his life to funding the war effort. As the Superintendent of Finance, he established the first national bank and personally guaranteed loans that allowed George Washington to move his troops to Yorktown. His "fortitude" was tested when he used his own fleet of ships to run British blockades and bring in vital supplies for the starving troops at Valley Forge. Despite his massive contributions, he later fell into financial ruin and spent time in debtors' prison, a tragic end for the man who had bankrolled American liberty.