Henry Laurens

Date of Birth: March 6, 1724

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: December 8, 1792

Biography

Henry Laurens was an influential American merchant, planter, and statesman from South Carolina who played a significant role in the Revolutionary War and the formation of the United States. Born into a wealthy family, Laurens built on his inheritance by becoming a successful merchant and slave trader. His business acumen led him to amass considerable wealth, which allowed him to engage deeply in the political life of the colonies. Laurens served as a delegate to the Second Continental Congress and eventually became its President. During his tenure, he was instrumental in drafting important documents and facilitating crucial decisions that shaped the future of the nascent nation. In 1779, he was appointed as an ambassador to the Netherlands to secure financial support for the American cause. However, during his voyage, he was captured by the British and imprisoned in the Tower of London for over a year. After his release in a prisoner exchange, Laurens continued to serve his country by negotiating the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Revolutionary War. Despite his significant contributions, Laurens was a complex figure whose legacy is also marked by his involvement in the slave trade.

5 Interesting Facts about Henry Laurens

1. Henry Laurens was the first American to be imprisoned in the Tower of London.

2. He was one of the primary negotiators of the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which ended the Revolutionary War.

3. Laurens was a prominent slave trader before becoming an ardent supporter of American independence.

4. He served as President of the Continental Congress from 1777 to 1778.

5. Laurens burned his own body on a pyre in accordance with his will, making him one of the few Americans known to have been cremated in the 18th century.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Henry Laurens

1. “I shall continue to sacrifice to the public good.”

2. “It is better to die with honor than to live with shame.”

3. “Peace and friendship with all mankind is our wisest policy.”

4. “I am here in the cause of liberty and justice.”

5. “Nothing essential to the happiness of man can be obtained without patience and perseverance.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At his peak, Henry Laurens’ net worth was estimated to be equivalent to several million dollars in today’s currency, largely due to his successful merchant and trading businesses.

Children

Henry Laurens had several children, but the most notable among them was John Laurens, who became an aide-de-camp to General George Washington and an outspoken opponent of slavery. John Laurens was killed in action during the Revolutionary War, a loss that deeply affected Henry Laurens.