Signers of the Declaration of Independence probably not as old as you think

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August 27, 2013

Almost half of the Founding Fathers who signed the Declaration of Independence were 40-years-old or younger, the youngest being 26. Two of them went on to be President of the United States.

Most Americans tend to the think the Founders were older, more “experienced” men, possibly because the paintings depicting the Declaration’s signing show them all wearing white wigs. But in reality, 21 of the 56 men who signed the Declaration were 40-years-old or younger, including the second president, John Adams, 40; third president, Thomas Jefferson, 33; and arguably the most recognizable signature of all time, John Hancock, 39.

Nowadays the average voting age is around 50 according to reports, and with baby boomers getting older, the median age doesn’t look like it will drop anytime soon.

With an average age of 57 in the U.S. House and 63 in the U.S. Senate, the 111th Congress, which began in 2009, was the oldest in U.S. history. The current Congress is only slightly younger.

Both the Senate and House have grown older in recent years. In 1945, the average age in the House was 53, compared to 57 now. The Senate has aged from 59 to 62 over the same time period.

To be eligible to serve in the Alabama legislature, a person must be at least 25-years-old for the Senate; and at least 21-years-old for the House.

At the age of 33, Sen. Clay Scofield, R-Arab, is youngest current member of the Alabama legislature.

Here is a list of signers of the Declaration of Independence who were 40-years-old or younger:
Thomas Lynch, Jr. 26
Edward Rutledge 26
George Walton 27*
Thomas Heyward, Jr. 28
Benjamin Rush 30
Elbridge Gerry 30
Thomas Jefferson 33
Thomas Stone 33*
William Hooper 34
Arthur Middleton 34
James Wilson 34*
Samuel Chase 35
William Paca 35
John Penn 35
George Clymer 37
Thomas Nelson, Jr. 37
Charles Carroll 38
Francis Hopkins 38
Carter Braxton 39
John Hancock 39
John Adams 40