Roger Sherman was born on April 19,1721,in Newton, Massachusetts. He was the son of William Mehetabel Sherman and descended from Captain John Sherman of Dedham, Essex.

Sherman received no formal education save that offered by the

common schools, but he doubtlessly came under the influence of the

classically trained Reverend Samuel Dunbar and early enjoyed a habit of study that led him to read a lot in theology, history,mathematics, and particularly law and politics. Because of his deep interest in theology, Sherman didn t join the church until early manhood. The reason for this is most likely due to a characteristic caution in making good decisions.

Roger lived in Stoughton, until 1743. There he learned the trade of a cordwainer from his father and helping him on the farms. There is also a picture of Sherman with him at a cobbler s bench, with a book open before him. In that same year Roger moved to Milford, Connecticut, he was appointed surveyor for New Haven County, and he continued in office when Litchfield County was organized in 1752. This position was unusually rewardable and Sherman became an owner of lands. At once,he began to become active in his towns affairs. He served as a jury man,town clerk, gauger, clerk of the church, deacon, school committeeman, and an agent to the Assembly on town business. In 1756, he and his

brother became sole owners of the first store in New Milford.

Among all these jobs he eventually found time to publish a book.The book was, A Caveat Against Injustice, or an Enquiry into the Evil Consequences of a Fluctuating Medium of Exchange. The book was a strong argument denying that bills of credit of neighboring provinces were legal in Connecticut. An even more excellent achievement was his series of almanacs. They were based upon his own astronomical calculations.

In February of 1754, Sherman was admitted to the Litchfield bar and in May of 1755 he represented New Milford in the General Assembly.This assembly appointed Roger as the justice of peace. Then, in 1759, he became a justice of the county court. At each election, up to 1761, he was reelected as the legislature. His experience with that prepared him for legislative duties during the Revolution, especially with military finance and supply.

In 1755, he was on a committee to consider how to finance the

colony s part in the Crown Point expedition. A few other public positions he filled were, being the treasurer at Yale University from 1756-1776. A member of the Connecticut Council, a member of the Continental Congress, and a judge at the Superior Court from 1766-1789.

Sherman s major contributions and roles at the Convention were that, his attendance gave the Convention credibility in New England and he gave the suggestion of the Connecticut Compromise. He also brought an almost unequaled, practical experience in government to the debates.

During the time of the Convention, Sherman opposed popular

elections, supported annual elections for the representatives, and

supported Franklin s motion that each session be opened with a prayer.

He was granted to the Grand Committee of Eleven to decide whether or

not the national government should assume the war debts of the states.

He felt that Congress should be authorized, but not required to do so. He was against slavery and the issuance of paper money and he also felt that all the states should ratify the constitution before it went into effect.

On his way home, Roger campaigned for the ratification of the new Constitution. He served as a United States Representative from

Connecticut and was later given to the Senate. He served as a senator

until the age of 72.

A couple of facts that are major achievements would be that he

signed three American documents. These include, The Declaration of

Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. A signer of both the Declaration and Constitution, he also helped draft and sign the Articles of Confederation.

Roger Sherman died on July 23, 1793, in New Haven, Connecticut. He was an outstanding man who helped a lot for his state. He went from a Yankee cobbler who taught himself law, to becoming a judge and a legislator.