Edward Langworthy (Founding Father)

For the British businessman and politician, see Edward Ryley Langworthy.

Edward Langworthy (1738–1802) was an American Founding Father and teacher who was a delegate to the Continental Congress from Georgia. He signed the Articles of Confederation.

Edward Langworthy
Delegate from Georgia to the Continental Congress
In office 1777–1779
Secretary, Georgia Council of Safety
In office December 11, 1775 – 1777
Clerk of Customs, Baltimore
In office 1795–1802
Personal details
Born	1738 Savannah, Province of Georgia
Died	November 2, 1802 Baltimore, Maryland
Resting place	Old Episcopal Church Cemetery (later removed)
Profession	Educator, politician, journalist

Langworthy was born in Savannah, Georgia, in 1738. Nothing is known of his ancestors since he was a foundling. He was raised in the Bethesda Orphan House in Savannah and was educated in the school there. He later taught in that same school. Since he was born only five years after James Oglethorpe shipped the first colonists to Georgia, his parents were likely included with those recruited from debtors' prisons or poorhouses.

Langworthy began working with Georgia's Committee of Safety and was their secretary when they became a revolutionary Council of Safety on December 11, 1775. The Georgia assembly sent him to the Continental Congress in 1777, and he arrived in time to sign the Articles of Confederation. He served in the Congress until 1779.

Edward moved to Baltimore, Maryland, in 1785. He married a young lady named Wright, and the couple had four children. He also bought a part interest in a newspaper The Maryland Journal & Baltimore Advertiser and became its editor. In 1787, he sold his interest and became an instructor at the Baltimore Academy.

In 1795, Langworthy was made the clerk of customs for Baltimore, a post he held until his death. He died of yellow fever on November 2, 1802, and was buried at the Old Episcopal Church. The church was torn down in 1891, and details of any re-interment are unknown.

External links

• United States Congress. "Edward Langworthy (id: L000075)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.