John Hanson Genealogical Archive.

THOMAS, Douglas H. [John Hanson].

$8,800.00

Item Number: 116321

Rare genealogical archive documenting the life and heritage of the first President of the Confederation Congress John Hanson, whose biographers have argued to be the true first President of the United States. The archive is composed primarily of letters, historical records and biographical documents prepared by Hanson’s ancestors, most notably several biographical volumes composed by his descendant Douglas H. Thomas who, in his numerous biographical papers, promoted Hanson as the the true first President of the United States. Contents also include biographical accounts of Hanson’s father Philip Thomas, and his descendant John Hanson Thomas who served in the American Civil War. In near fine condition. A fascinating archive of first-hand accounts documenting the life, career, and heritage of one of America’s least recognized Founding Fathers.

American statesman John Hanson was elected to the Continental Congress in 1779 after serving for several years in the Maryland General Assembly and Maryland House of Delegates. When relations between Great Britain and the colonies became a crisis in 1774, Hanson became one of Frederick County's leading Patriots. Responsible for recruiting and arming soldiers, Hanson proved to be an excellent organizer, and Frederick County sent the first southern troops to join George Washington's army. Because funds were scarce, Hanson frequently paid soldiers and others with his own money. In December 1779, the House of Delegates named Hanson as a delegate to the Second Continental Congress and signed the Articles of Confederation on behalf of Maryland on March 1, 1781. On November 5, 1781, Congress elected Hanson as its president. Under the Articles of Confederation, the United States had no executive branch; the president of Congress was a mostly ceremonial position, but the office did require Hanson to serve as neutral discussion moderator, handle official correspondence, and sign documents.