Caesar Rodney
By David Streater, Ph.D.
Burke County
This is an American history educational moment of those who made a difference during the Revolutionary War era and how they served our Country.
An admirable and unique individual, Caesar Rodney helped make the United States the influential nation it became. Born on October 7, 1728, in Jones Neck, Delaware, Caesar was the son of Caesar Rodney, Sr., and Elizabeth. His parents ensured he was well educated at home, the Latin School in Philadelphia, and the University of Pennsylvania.
Rodney’s beliefs in an independent America shone through during the Second Continental Congress. Delegates were considering a motion for independence. During the debate, some opposed each other; some switched their vote, while others were solidly opposed. Finally, Edward Rutledge of South Carolina directed this vote to be delayed by one day. The postponement was because Rodney, a formidable advocate for freedom, was called away to quell a British insurrection in his home state of Delaware.
An urgent communication was delivered to Rodney in Delaware. The message told him of the dire predicament in Philadelphia: his ‘yea’ vote was critical to pass the motion for autonomy. On July 2, 1776 (a Tuesday), just before the day’s close of business for the Congress, Rodney made a spectacular entrance: “Almost unimaginably, he had ridden 80 miles through the night, changing horses several times [in a torrential rainstorm] to be there in time to cast his independence vote.” Soaking wet, exhausted, and covered with mud, Caesar accomplished this feat despite lifelong physical defects and combating facial cancer. Rodney was tall and slim, with a small head, and sporting a scarf to cover his face to conceal the malady he was fighting.
Caesar led a responsible life from a young age when his father died. Among other activities, he managed the family farm and was a high sheriff, judge, member of the Stamp Act Congress, and the First and Second Congresses. Battling ill health, Rodney still became a major general in the militia and signed the Declaration of Independence on August 2, 1776.
Rodney was a visionary who was determined to see the colonies achieve nationhood and accomplished many notable acts under challenging circumstances. In his later years, Caesar supported the abolitionist movement and helped lay the groundwork for social advances. Buildings, schools, and even marathons are named in his honor. Caesar Rodney was an altruistic Founding Father who served America honorably, establishing We the People.
Please visit your Charters of Freedom setting in most western North Carolina counties. A Charters of Freedom setting consists of the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. They are on permanent display analogous to the Charters of Freedom in the National Archives, Washington, DC. Please visit FoundationForward.com to learn more about our existing settings. Vance and Mary Jo Patterson are the benefactors and originators of Foundation Forward, 501(c)(3) education non-profit.
Teachers are encouraged to contact Dr. Streater for information and complementary student education materials to enhance experiential field trips to a Charter of Freedom settings. In addition, everyone is welcome and urged to obtain a personalized engraved legacy paver for placement at their local Charters of Freedom setting. Please contact Dr. Streater (david.streater@mymail.barry.edu) for engraved legacy paver information and complementary educational materials.
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Dr. David Streater is the director of education for Foundation Forward. He is a retired college instructor and administrator, and a retired probation and parole officer/administrator. David is a criminologist who has an acute history interest, served in the Navy, and is a resident of Burke County, NC.
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Read more about our founding fathers HERE.
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