| − | Francis Hopkinson was born in Philadelphia to a wealthy family. His father was a lawyer and his mother was the niece of the Bishop of Worcester, [[England]]. At age thirteen, his father died. Mrs. Hopkinson sought to give Francis the best education and family friend Ben Franklin would be a big help.<ref>[http://virtualology.com/francishopkinson.com/ Francis Hopkinson, Virtuology.com]</ref> Ben Franklin was there for him through his years at the College of Philadelphia. After graudation Francis traveled to England and continued his education, a two year study with the Bishop of Worcester. His family connections in England landed him the title collector of customs at Salem, New Jersey and customs at New Castle, Delaware. He would marry the wealthy Ann Bordon of New Jersey, whose family had founded Bordentown. Hopkinson would prosper as a lawyer and was appointed to the prestigious provincial council. | + | Francis Hopkinson was born in Philadelphia to a wealthy family. His father was a lawyer and his mother was the niece of the Bishop of Worcester, [[England]]. At age thirteen, his father died. Mrs. Hopkinson sought to give Francis the best education and family friend Ben Franklin would be a big help.<ref>[http://virtualology.com/francishopkinson.com/ Francis Hopkinson, Virtuology.com]</ref> Ben Franklin was there for him through his years at the College of Philadelphia. After graduation Francis traveled to England and continued his education, a two-year study with the Bishop of Worcester. His family connections in England landed him the title collector of customs at Salem, New Jersey and customs at New Castle, Delaware. He would marry the wealthy Ann Bordon of New Jersey, whose family had founded Bordentown. Hopkinson would prosper as a lawyer and was appointed to the prestigious provincial council. |
| | Francis Hopkinson started writing satires against [[British]] oppression of the colonies. He is considered by many to be the first American composer. | | Francis Hopkinson started writing satires against [[British]] oppression of the colonies. He is considered by many to be the first American composer. |
| − | In 1791, Hopkinson had a epileptic seizure and died at the age of fifty-three. | + | In 1791, Hopkinson had an epileptic seizure and died at the age of fifty-three. |