Hopkinson, Francis (1737-1791), a New Jersey signer of the Declaration of Independence, was an American statesman, artist, writer, lawyer, and judge. He also claimed credit for designing the American flag, and most scholars support the claim. His most important writings included poetry, essays, and political satires (comedies).
Hopkinson was born on Oct. 2, 1737, in Philadelphia. He enrolled in the Philadelphia Academy in 1751 and received a diploma from the College of Philadelphia in 1757. He then practiced law in Philadelphia and in Bordentown, New Jersey. In 1776, he was elected to the Continental Congress and the Continental Navy Board. In 1778, he served as a commissioner in the Continental Loan Office. He was judge of the United States Court of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania from 1789 until his death on May 9, 1791.
