Ann Borden Hopkinson

Nancy (Ann) Borden married Francis Hopkinson, signer of the Declaration of Independence, in Christ Church, Bordentown, on September 1, 1768. She was the daughter of Judge Joseph Borden, a prominent and wealthy citizen of New Jersey who "was proprietor of a boat and stage line running from Philadelphia to New York. He was also an active patriot during the Revolutionary War and a member of the first Revolutionary Convention held in New Brunswick in 1774. Nancy's brother, Captain Joseph Borden, commanded a troop of light horse soldiers for Burlington County.

Nancy was a nice looking, vivacious girl who was well educated and highly accomplished. Nancy was considered to be a good match of the brilliant young Francis. Nancy and her sister Maria were considered to be the most beautiful women of New Jersey. Maria married Thomas McKean, another signer of the Declaration of Independence who later served as governor of Pennsylvania.

Nancy and Francis began their married life in Bordentown where Francis began to practice law. Francis was active in the cause of liberty and served as a member of the Provincial Convention at New Brunswick in 1774. He was elected to be a New Jersey delegate to the Continental Congress 1776 where he voted for and signed the Declaration of Independence. He later served as Chief Justice of New Jersey.

Francis and Nancy maintained a home in Philadelphia as well as a nice country home in Bordentown. The family lived in Bordentown until 1779 when Francis returned to Philadelphia to be Judge of the Court of Admiralty. Francis was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and appointed to be Judge of the United States District Court for Pennsylvania by President George Washington in 1789.

Francis and Nancy were parents of James, Joseph, Elizabeth, Maria, Thomas, Ann, a second Thomas, Francis, and Sarah Johnson. James and both Thomases died in infancy, but the others all grew to adulthood and married. Francis died in 1791 at age fifty-two, and Nancy died in 1827, surviving her husband for thirty-six years.

Francis Hopkinson

Francis Hopkinson, signer of the Declaration of Independence, was born at Philadelphia in 1737 of English parents. His mother was the daughter of the Bishop of Worcester; she was well educated and moved in the best circles of England. His father was also well educated, and Francis received every advantage that a good social position could give to him.

Francis was only fourteen years old when his father passed away and his mother left to care for a large family with too little income. Francis received his primary education from his mother until he was prepared to enter the college of Philadelphia. After he left the college, he studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1765. He traveled to England to visit relatives and to gain more knowledge in 1765. He returned in 1768 and soon married Nancy (Ann) Borden of Bordentown, New Jersey.

Hopkinson was a musician, poet and wit. Leaders in Great Britain recognized his superior talents and appointed him to a "lucrative office" in New Jersey soon after his marriage. He continued in this position until the British could not continue to excuse his words and deeds about republican principles. In 1776 the people of New Jersey elected him to be their delegate to the General Congress. He voted for the Declaration of Independence and "joyfully" signed it.

Francis held the office of Loan Commissioner for several years until he was appointed as Pennsylvania Judge of Admiralty. He held that office until President George Washington appointed him as Pennsylvania District Judge in 1790.

Hopkinson was modest, quiet, and loyal and was considered as a true genius. He was very patriotic and very involved in the cause of liberty, but he seldom engaged in debate.

Judge Hopkinson died in May 1791 at age fifty-two, two hours after an attack of "apoplexy." He left a widow and five children.

Facts are from Lives of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence, pp. 85-87.