William Hooper Biography

William Hooper, one of the Founding Fathers of America, was a lawyer and politician who signed the U.S. Declaration of Independence on behalf of North Carolina. The son of a clergyman, he was expected to follow in his father’s footsteps but instead he chose to pursue a career in law. He became a highly successful and prosperous lawyer who gained the respect of his clients and peers alike. He was appointed as the Deputy Attorney of the Salisbury District soon moving on to the rank of Deputy Attorney General of North Carolina. Initially he was a loyalist and supported the British colonial government, but a few incidents changed his mind and he became a strong supporter of the independence movement. He always had an interest in politics though he formally got involved in political issues when he represented the Scots settlement of Cambelltown in the Provincial Congress Assembly. His deep knowledge about the legislature and legal proceedings were of immense value to the Congress, and he even utilized his personal fortunes in support of the independence cause. Hooper was a patriot in the truest sense; he did not change his ideologies even after the British destroyed his home and properties. He continued serving the North Carolina Assembly for many years after independence.