Remember Those Founders that Did Not Fare So Well After We Won

John Paul Jones (1747–1792)

Contributions: Scottish-born naval captain in the Continental Navy, often called the "Father of the American Navy." Famous for daring raids on British ships and the epic 1779 battle where, aboard the Bonhomme Richard against HMS Serapis, he declared, "I have not yet begun to fight!" His actions boosted morale and disrupted British shipping.


Ignominious end: After the war, Jones struggled for recognition and pay from the U.S. He served briefly in the Russian navy but returned to Paris. He died alone at age 45 on July 18, 1792, from kidney disease (nephritis) complicated by pneumonia, in modest circumstances while awaiting a diplomatic post.

Buried in an unmarked grave in a foreign Protestant cemetery in Paris; Americans had somewhat forgotten him at the time. His remains were later located, brought back with honors in 1905–1913, and interred at the U.S. Naval Academy.

Sidenote: It is against the law of the land to block his tombs view of the Sea.

Haym Salomon (c. 1740–1785)

Contributions: Polish-Jewish immigrant and financier/broker in Philadelphia. He helped fund the Revolution by brokering loans, selling bills of exchange, and personally advancing huge sums (estimates around $650,000+ in era currency, equivalent to millions today) to the Continental Army and leaders like Washington. He supported key operations, including Yorktown, while enduring British imprisonment and escaping. Also advocated for religious liberty.


Ignominious end: Despite his sacrifices, the government and debtors failed to repay him adequately amid depreciated currency and postwar chaos. He died suddenly (likely tuberculosis) on January 6, 1785, at age ~44–45, penniless in Philadelphia.

His family was left destitute; his widow and children struggled, and later petitions for repayment went largely unfulfilled. His records showed massive uncompensated contributions.

Thomas Paine (1737–1809)

Contributions: English-born writer whose pamphlets Common Sense (1776) and The American Crisis (series) were hugely influential in rallying support for independence and sustaining morale ("These are the times that try men's souls"). He served in the army and contributed intellectually to the revolutionary cause.


Ignominious end: Later controversies (e.g., The Age of Reason, criticizing organized religion) made him unpopular and ostracized in the U.S. He died on June 8, 1809, at age 72 in New York City, in relative poverty and obscurity. Only about six people (including former slaves) attended his funeral. His bones were later disinterred and taken to England (fate uncertain).

Robert Morris (1734–1806)

Contributions: Merchant and "Financier of the Revolution." As Superintendent of Finance, he stabilized the economy, helped establish the first national bank, used personal credit/wealth for supplies, and worked with Salomon and others to fund the war effort when the government was broke.

Ignominious end: Postwar land speculations failed amid economic crises. He went deeply into debt, spent 1798–1801 in debtors' prison (Prune Street, Philadelphia), and died in modest circumstances in 1806 after release.

Carter Braxton (1736–1797)

Contributions: Virginia planter, merchant, and signer of the Declaration of Independence. He supported the Patriot cause financially and politically, serving in the Continental Congress and Virginia legislature. His ships and resources aided the war effort.

Ignominious end: British naval forces captured or destroyed much of his shipping fleet. He sold properties to cover debts and died in relative poverty ("in rags," per some accounts) in 1797, his fortune largely ruined.

"Light-Horse Harry" Lee (Henry Lee III, 1756–1818)

Contributions: Renowned cavalry commander in the Continental Army, known for daring raids and leadership (e.g., in the Southern Campaign). Father of Robert E. Lee. Served as a governor and congressman postwar.

Ignominious end: Speculation and debts led to time in debtors' prison. He faced financial ruin and died in reduced circumstances on Cumberland Island, Georgia, in 1818 while traveling.

Thomas McKean (1734–1817)

Contributions: Signer of the Declaration, president of the Continental Congress, chief justice, and governor of Pennsylvania/Delaware. Key legal and political figure supporting independence.

Postwar struggles: British harassment forced his family into hiding; he served without consistent pay, lost possessions, and faced poverty despite high offices. He died in 1817 after years of financial pressure.

I'm not so sure what I'm trying to say. Maybe it's that not all that sacrificed received the glory of the big 12. Many gave everything they had -- their own personal fortunes -- and died penniless with names forgotten because it was too embarrassing.

Same chorus. Different verse.