AUGUSTA - This week, Gov. Janet Mills signed a proclamation recognizing Gen. William Whipple, who was born in Kittery, for his efforts and contributions to the founding of the United States. Whipple was the only native Mainer to sign the Declaration of Independence.
"General Whipple's unwavering dedication to American independence played a critical role in the founding of our country," said Rep. Kristi Mathieson, D-Kittery. "Kittery is proud to be the home of the only native Mainer who signed the Declaration. This proclamation from Gov. Mills recognizing his significant contributions will play an important part in helping to keep this history alive for current and future generations."
Whipple was born in Kittery in 1730. After attending public school, he moved on to a seafaring life and by age 21 was captain of his own ship. By age 29, he left his life on the seas and moved to Portsmouth, where he became active in the fight for independence. In 1776, he was appointed as a delegate to the Continental Congress, where he was the only native Mainer to sign the Declaration of Independence. He also served in the Continental Army.
Kittery holds an annual Independence Day celebration that includes a reading of the Declaration of Independence. This year's event will take place on June 29 at 9 a.m. at Thresher Memorial Park. More information on the event can be found here.
Mathieson is serving her second term in the Maine House representing Kittery. She serves on the Legislature's Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee and the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Mathieson], c. 305-965-2744