George Wythe Biography

George Wythe was a prominent lawyer, educator and judge who represented Virginia in the Continental Congress and signed the U.S. Declaration of Independence in 1776. He was well-educated and much respected among his contemporaries for his intelligence, wit and high moral principles. He began his career in government services, shortly after completing his legal studies. He was one of the vehement opponents of the Stamp Act of 1765, which imposed a direct tax on the colonies of British America, and wrote a letter to the parliament, condemning the Act. This incident made him a popular political figure and he was made the Mayor of Williamsburg. He also served as a burgess at The College of William and Mary where he met Professor William Small on whose suggestion he mentored Thomas Jefferson, then a young student of law. As a professor he also taught and mentored John Marshall who went on to become a Chief Justice of the United States. Along with issues related to law, he also participated in discussions on history, philosophy, and languages with other prominent personalities like Francis Fauquier and Norborne Berkeley. When the first Law College was established in Independent America, he was made its very first Professor of Law and mentored many students like James Monroe and Henry Clay who went on to become famous personalities.