Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer
Long active in Maryland government before 1776, Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer brought fiscal experience to the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and argued for a stronger national Congress.
Born January 1, 1723 / Died November 16, 1790
On January 1, 1723, in Charles County, Province of Maryland, Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer was born into a landholding family active in colonial government. He managed estates and entered provincial politics through Maryland's lower house and executive council. Years of experience in revenue and administration gave him a reputation for practical judgment before independence.
Jenifer joined the Continental Congress and represented Maryland at the Constitutional Convention in 1787. In Philadelphia he supported stronger federal taxing and commercial powers after watching the Confederation struggle with debt and interstate rivalry. He also used his standing in Maryland to help move the Constitution through ratification.
Jenifer's support for national revenue powers became part of the constitutional settlement that allowed the Treasury and Congress to operate effectively in the 1790s. His work showed how experienced colonial officeholders carried administrative habits from provincial government into the federal Constitution.
Key Contributions
- He was active for many years in the Province of Maryland's colonial government, but when conflict arose with Great Britain, Jenifer embraced the Patriot cause.
- Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer was born on January 1, 1723.
- On September 17, 1787, Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer signed the United States Constitution in Philadelphia after representing Maryland in the federal convention.
Related Events
Constitutional Convention convenes
From May to September 1787, delegates in Philadelphia abandoned revision of the Articles of Confederation and drafted a new Constitution under George Washington's presidency.
United States Constitution signed
On September 17, 1787, thirty-nine delegates signed the Constitution in Philadelphia and sent the proposed frame of government to the states for ratification.
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