Stockton, Richard

Stockton, Richard, 1730–81, political leader in the American Revolution, signer of the Declaration of Independence, b. near Princeton, N.J. A successful lawyer in New Jersey, he tried to find means of reconciliation in the conflict between England and the American colonies. However, after his election (1776) to the Continental Congress he sought independence. Stockton was captured by the British while on an inspection tour, and although he was soon released, the effects of harsh treatment as a prisoner eventually brought about his death.

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Stockton, Richard (1730–81) Revolutionary patriot; born in Princeton, N.J. He graduated from Princeton College (1748) and practiced law in New Jersey (1754–66). He was on the executive council for the province of New Jersey (1768–76). He served in the Continental Congress (1776) and signed the Declaration of Independence. Taken prisoner by Tories in late 1776, he was released after an imprisonment in New York, but the experience had broken his health. New Jersey placed his statue in the U.S. Capitol.