Charles Thomson

Charles Thomson
Charles Thomson by Joseph Wright
Secretary of the Continental Congress
In office September 5, 1774 – July 23, 1789
Preceded by	Position established
Succeeded by	Position abolished
Personal details
Born	(1729-11-29)November 29, 1729 Maghera, County Londonderry, Ireland
Died	August 16, 1824(1824-08-16) (aged 94) Lower Merion Township, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Resting place	Laurel Hill Cemetery
Spouse(s)	1. Ruth Mather (m. 1758, d. 1769) 2. Hannah Harrison (m. 1774, d. 1807)
Children	Twin daughters (died in infancy)
Signature

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Charles Thomson (November 29, 1729 – August 16, 1824) was an Irish-born patriot leader in Philadelphia during the American Revolution and the secretary of the Continental Congress (1774–1789) throughout its existence. As secretary, Thomson, a Founding Father of the United States, prepared the Journals of the Continental Congress, and his and John Hancock's names were the only two to appear on the first printing of the United States Declaration of Independence.

Thomson is also known for co-designing the Great Seal of the United States and adding its Latin mottoes Annuit cœptis and Novus ordo seclorum, and for his translation of the Bible's Old Testament.