Disability History Factoid: October 14, 2011: Stephen Hopkins

Disability History Facts: October 14, 2011: Stephen Hopkins

Stephen Hopkins (March 7, 1707 – July 13, 1785) a person with cerebral palsy, was an American political leader from Rhode Island who signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Many medical historians believe his signature on the Declaration – second in size only to that of John Hancock – is evidence that he had a disabling condition believed to be cerebral palsy.   Hopkins is known for saying, “my hands may tremble, my heart does not.” He served as the Chief Justice and Governor of the English Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations and was a Delegate to the Colonial Congress in Albany in 1754 and to the Continental Congress from 1774 to 1776. Hopkins was also the first chancellor of the College in the English Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations (predecessor to Brown University) in conjunction with the presidency of the Baptist Reverend James Manning.

More information on Stephen Hopkins http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Hopkins_(politician)

About the Facts

The Disability History Daily Facts are presented each day in October to celebrate “Persons with Disabilities History and Awareness Month,” in Texas. HB 3616, passed during the 82nd Legislative session encourages public schools and state agencies to celebrate the accomplishments of people with disabilities. To learn more about Disability History, go to http://governor.state.tx.us/disabilities/resources/disability_history/   

For daily factoids from previous days, visit our archive: http://governor.state.tx.us/disabilities/resources/history_and_awareness_month_factoids