Clymer: A Legacy of Patriotism and Public Service
Clymer was a pivotal figure in the early formation of the United States, serving as a patriot, statesman, and civic leader. His contributions spanned the critical years of the American Revolution and the subsequent establishment of the federal government, blending military leadership with high-level political administration.
Key Facts
- Political Roles: Member of the Continental Congress (1776–1780) and the first U.S. Congress (1789).
- Constitutional Impact: Represented Pennsylvania at the 1787 Constitutional Convention.
- Civic Leadership: First president of both The Philadelphia Bank and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.
- Philanthropy: Donated the property for the county seat in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, making him the benefactor of Indiana Borough.
Revolutionary Leadership and Early Career
Clymer's commitment to American independence was evident early on through his leadership in Philadelphia demonstrations against the Tea Act and the Stamp Act—legislative measures imposed by Great Britain that sparked widespread colonial unrest. He took an active role in the defense of the colonies, commanding a volunteer corps within General John Cadwalader's brigade.
His intellectual and political influence grew rapidly. In 1759, he was inducted into the original American Philosophical Society, a scholarly organization dedicated to promoting useful knowledge. By 1773, he had joined the Philadelphia Committee of Safety, a group tasked with managing the colony's response to British policies.
Service in the Continental Congress
Elected to the Continental Congress from 1776 to 1780, Clymer held significant financial and oversight responsibilities. He served as the treasurer of the Continental Congress, sharing these duties with Michael Hillegas. His commitment to the war effort was further demonstrated in the fall of 1776, when he and Sampson Mathews were dispatched to inspect the northern army at Fort Ticonderoga.
Clymer's courage was noted when he chose to remain in Philadelphia alongside George Walton and Robert Morris, even as Congress fled the city to avoid the threatened occupation by Sir Henry Clinton.
Business Ventures and Financial Growth
While primarily a public servant, Clymer engaged in business to increase his wealth. Between 1779 and 1780, he and his son, Meredith, participated in a lucrative trade with Sint Eustatius, a Dutch Caribbean island that served as a vital trading hub during the war. Although he was not naturally inclined toward the merchant business, he continued operations with his brother-in-law and father-in-law until 1782.
State and National Governance
Following his resignation from Congress in 1777, Clymer transitioned to state politics, winning a seat in the Pennsylvania Legislature in 1780. In 1782, he undertook a tour of the southern states in an attempt to persuade their legislatures to fulfill subscriptions owed to the central government, though these efforts were ultimately unsuccessful.
Clymer's influence peaked during the creation of the U.S. government. He was re-elected to the Pennsylvania legislature in 1784 and served as a delegate for his state at the 1787 Constitutional Convention. His career culminated in his election to the first U.S. Congress in 1789.
Civic and Administrative Contributions
Beyond legislative work, Clymer held several prestigious leadership roles:
- Banking and Arts: He served as the first president of The Philadelphia Bank and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.
- Agriculture: He held the position of vice-president of the Philadelphia Agricultural Society.
- Taxation: In 1791, following a federal bill imposing duties on distilled spirits, he was appointed head of the excise department in Pennsylvania.
- Diplomacy: On June 29, 1796, he served as a commissioner to negotiate a treaty with the Creek Indian confederacy at Colerain, Georgia.
Summary of Career Milestones
| Period/Year | Role/Achievement | Organization/Entity |
|---|---|---|
| 1759 | Member | American Philosophical Society |
| 1773 | Member | Philadelphia Committee of Safety |
| 1776–1780 | Treasurer/Member | Continental Congress |
| 1780, 1784 | Legislator | Pennsylvania Legislature |
| 1787 | Delegate | Constitutional Convention |
| 1789 | Representative | First U.S. Congress |
| 1791 | Head of Excise Department | State of Pennsylvania |
Clymer passed away on January 23, 1813, and was laid to rest at the Friends Burying Ground in Trenton, New Jersey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Clymer's role in the formation of the U.S. Constitution?
Clymer represented the state of Pennsylvania as a delegate at the Constitutional Convention in 1787.
How did Clymer contribute to the development of Indiana Borough?
He is considered the benefactor of Indiana Borough because he donated the property used for the county seat in Indiana County, Pennsylvania.
Which financial and artistic institutions did Clymer lead?
He served as the first president of both The Philadelphia Bank and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.
What was Clymer's involvement in the American Revolution?
He was a leader in protests against the Tea and Stamp Acts, commanded a volunteer corps in General John Cadwalader's brigade, and served as a treasurer for the Continental Congress.
Did Clymer hold any diplomatic roles?
Yes, he was one of the commissioners who negotiated a treaty with the Creek Indian confederacy in Colerain, Georgia, on June 29, 1796.