Group to Honor Portsmouth Patriot William Whipple

The American Revolution was blessed with many heroes and patriots who helped the former 13 colonies secure their independence from Great Britain which was officially begun with the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

While the names of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and John Hancock may spring to mind the quickest, Portsmouth's own William Whipple, who once lived in the Moffatt-Ladd House on Market Street, was one of the members of the Continental Congress who signed the document written by Thomas Jefferson in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776.

As the city gets ready to celebrate the nation's birthday with another spectacular fireworks display over South Mill Pond, a new plaque recognizing Whipple's contribution to the War for Indepence will be placed in front of his grave at North Cemetery off Maplewood Avenue.

Earlier this month, the non-profit group called the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence approached the Portsmouth City Council seeking permission to place a bronze plaque at Whipple's grave site. The Council approved the request, paving the way for the new plaque to be placed.

According to a letter sent to the City Council, Grace Staller, the group's plaque committee chairperson, wrote the non-profit organization that is based in Pennsylvania is 104 years old and all of its members are actual descendants of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence.

"It can be placed anywhere you desire it go to go, some cemeteries have plaeed it on the grave, the monument, or on a footing. We will have the plaque made and mailed to you, and will pay for all of the associated costs," Staller wrote.

Whipple served as a general in the Continental Army and fought in the Battle of Saratoga in 1777. He also served three terms in the Continental Congress and signed the Declaration of Independence as a representative of New Hampshire. Whipple also served as a judge of the superior court in his home state.

Like all of the men who signed the document proclaiming America's freedom from Great Britain that began with the words, "We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal...," Whipple put everything on the line, including his life.

Today, Whipple's Grave is located next to a flag pole in the North Cemetery among some of the oldest gravesites in the city that date back to the early 1700s. There is also a display near the entrance to the cemetery that includes a brief summary of Whipple's life and career.