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[[File:francishopkinson.jpg|right|thumb|200px| Francis Hopkinson]]

[[File:francishopkinson.jpg|right|thumb|200px| Francis Hopkinson]]

'''Francis Hopkinson''' (b. September 21, 1737; d. May 9, 1791) is a Founding Father of [[America]]. He was the first Graduate of the College of Philadelphia, a friend of [[Benjamin Franklin]], a lawyer, a writer of poetry, music, and satire. Hopkinson claimed credit for designing the American flag. He was a delegate from [[New Jersey]] to the [[Continental Congress]] that signed the [[Declaration of Independence]]. Hopkinson was commissioned a Judge of Admiralty in Pennsylvania and [[President Washington]] appointed him Federal District Judge.

'''Francis Hopkinson''' (b. September 21, 1737; d. May 9, 1791) is a Founding Father of [[America]]. He was the first Graduate of the College of Philadelphia, a friend of [[Benjamin Franklin]], a lawyer and a writer of poetry, music and satire. Hopkinson claimed credit for designing the American flag. He was a delegate from [[New Jersey]] to the [[Continental Congress]] that signed the [[Declaration of Independence]]. Hopkinson was commissioned a Judge of Admiralty in Pennsylvania and [[President Washington]] appointed him Federal District Judge.

==Early Life==

==Early Life==

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]]. When Francis was thirteen years old 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 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.