Imperfect Men

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Ever wondered about the men who signed the documents that founded America? Every other week, we rank the Founding Fathers from Andrew Adams to George Wythe. Join us as we cover these Imperfect Men. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cody Reynolds & Stephen Alexander


    • Apr 22, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 37m AVG DURATION
    • 60 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Imperfect Men

    56: John Hancock III

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 43:10


    This week, Cody and Steve dive into the biggest name on the Declaration (literally) and see if John Hancock lives up to the hype.Podcast to recommend: Our Fake History (Our Fake History – Historical Myths Relished and Ruined!)Sources· Adams, James Truslow. “Portrait of an Empty Barrel.” Harpers Magazine 161 (p. 425-34), September 1930.· Barbier, Brooke. King Hancock: The Radical Influence of a Moderate Founding Father. Cambridge, MA: Harvard U. Press, 2023.· Fowler, William M. Jr. The Baron of Beacon Hill: A Biography of John Hancock. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin, 1980.· Unger, Harlow Giles. John Hancock: Merchant King and American Patriot. Edison, NJ; Castle Books, 2005.· See pinned post on Bluesky for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    55.2: Alexander Hamilton, Part the Second

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2025 66:20


    On this episode, Cody and Steve continue their discussion about the Dick Grayson to George Washington's Bruce Wayne, Alexander Hamilton.Podcast to recommend: Lost Ballparks (Lost Ballparks Podcast)Sources· Brookheiser, Richard. Alexander Hamilton: American. New York City, NY: The Free Press, 1999.· Chernow, Ron. Alexander Hamilton. New York City, NY: Penguin, 2005.· Freeman, Joanne B. The Essenial Hamilton: Letters and Other Writings. New York City, NY: Library of America, 2017.· Hendrickson, Robert. Hamilton I (1757-89). New York City, NY: Mason Charter, 1976.· Randall, Willard Sterne. Alexander Hamilton: A Life. New York City, NY: Harper Collins, 2003.· See pinned post on Bluesky for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    55.1: Alexander Hamilton, Part the First

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2025 51:27


    On this episode, Cody and Steve tackle another giant in the American pantheon, the bastard, orphan, son of a whore and a Scotsman, Alexander Hamilton.Sources· Brookheiser, Richard. Alexander Hamilton: American. New York City, NY: The Free Press, 1999.· Chernow, Ron. Alexander Hamilton. New York City, NY: Penguin, 2005.· Freeman, Joanne B. The Essenial Hamilton: Letters and Other Writings. New York City, NY: Library of America, 2017.· Hendrickson, Robert. Hamilton I (1757-89). New York City, NY: Mason Charter, 1976.· Randall, Willard Sterne. Alexander Hamilton: A Life. New York City, NY: Harper Collins, 2003.· See pinned post on Bluesky for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    54: Lyman Hall

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2025 20:05


    On this episode, Steve and Cody talk about Lyman Hall's ministerial misdeeds, representation in Congress, and about half a dozen other things that have nothing to do with this blip of a Founder.Podcast to recommend: Irish History Podcast (Irish History Podcast)Sources· Cook, James F. The Governors of Georgia, 1754-2004. Macon, GA: Mercer U. Press, 2005.· Lockwood, Thornton C. “Lyman Hall.” Society of the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence. . Retrieved 3 Feb 2025.· See pinned post on Bluesky for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    53: Button Gwinnett

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2025 21:23


    On this episode, Cody and Steve discuss the lifetime of failures that is one of the most uniquely named figures of the era, Button Gwinnett.Podcast to recommend: History's Trainwrecks (History's Trainwrecks)Sources· Jackson, Harvey. Lachlan McIntosh and the Politics of Revolutionary Georgia. Athens, GA: U. of Georgia Press, 1979.· McNamara, Jr., Rieman, ed. “Button Gwinnett.” Society of the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence. 2007, . Retrieved 28 Jan 2025.· See pinned post on Bluesky for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    52: Nathaniel Gorham

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2025 37:35


    On this episode, Cody and Steve discuss the man who would be okay with us having a king, Nathaniel Gorham.Podcast to recommend: Totalus Rankium Pirates (Totalus Rankium | Ranking all the Roman Emperors and American Presidents)Sources· Hauptman, Laurence M. Conspiracy of Interests: Iroquois Dispossession and the Rise of New York State. Syracuse, NY; Syracuse U. Press, 2001.· Morton, Joseph C. Shapers of the Great Debate at the Constitutional Convention of 1787. Santa Barbara, CA: Greenwood, 2006.· See pinned post on Bluesky for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    51: Nicholas Gilman (with Q&A)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2025 45:35


    On this episode, Cody and Steve discuss the Creature from the Exeter Lagoon, Nicholas Gilman, as well as review some fun statistics from the first 50 subjects and answer a few listener questions.Podcast to recommend: Kingdom (Kingdöm: Swedish Rulers – A Flatpack History of Sweden Podcast)Sources· Wright, Jr., Robert K., and Morris J. MacGregor, Jr. Soldier-Statesmen of the Constitution. Washington, DC: U.S. Army Center of Military History, 1987.· See pinned post on Bluesky for list of general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    50: Elbridge Gerry

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2025 50:42


    On this episode, Cody and Steve discuss Elbridge Gerry, gerrymandering, grumbles, and the nature of the word “gubernatorial.”Podcast to recommend: History of Africa (History of Africa Podcast)Sources· Billias, George. Elbridge Gerry: Founding Father and Republican Statesman. New York City, NY: McGraw-Hill, 1976.· Glynn, John C., Jr., and Grace Keiper Staller. “Elbridge Gerry.” Society of the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence. . Retrieved 17 Dec 2024.· Seabrook, Nick. One Person, One Vote: A Surprising History of Gerrymandering in America. New York City, NY: Pantheon Books, 2022.· Witcover, Jules. The American Vice-Presidency: From Irrelevance to Power. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Books, 2014.· See pinned post on Bluesky for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    49: Christopher Gadsden

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2024 37:54


    On this episode, Cody and Steve discuss the dark legacy of Christopher Gadsden and how he still affects us to this very day.Podcast to recommend: Grand Dukes of the West (Grand Dukes of the West – A History of Valois Burgundy)Sources· Butler, Nic. “The Story of Gadsden's Wharf.” Charleston County Public Library. 2 Feb 2018. . Retrieved 26 Nov 2024.· Eldridge, Kelcey M., "A Forgotten Founder: The Life and Legacy of Christopher Gadsden" (2018). All Theses. 2949. . Retrieved 26 Nov 2024.· Godbold, Stanley, Jr., and Robert Woody. Christopher Gadsden and the American Revolution. Knoxville, TN: U. of Tennessee Press, 1983.· McDonough, Daniel. Christopher Gadsden and Henry Laurens: The Parallel Lives of Two American Patriots. London, UK: Associated U. Press, 2000.· See pinned post on Bluesky for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    48.2: Benjamin Franklin

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2024 75:42


    On this episode, Cody and Steve continue their discussion on the so-called First American, Benjamin Franklin, and try to parse legend and myth from the cold, hard truth.Podcast to recommend: Disastrous History (Disastrous History)Sources· Brands, H. W. The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin. New York City, NY: Doubleday, 2000.· Gupton, Nancy. “Benjamin Franklin and the Kite Experiment.” The Franklin Institute. 12 Jun 2017. . Retrieved 19 Nov 2024.· Isaacson, Walter. Benjamin Franklin: An American Life. New York City, NY: Simon & Schuster, 2003.· Rubin Stuart, Nancy. Poor Richard's Women: Deborah Read Franklin and the Other Women Behind the Founding Father. Boston, MA: Beacon Press, 2022.· Smith, John L., Jr. “Benjamin Franklin's Battery of Lovers.” Journal of the American Revolution. 2 Jun 2016. . Retrieved 19 Nov 2024.· Waldstreicher, David. Runaway America: Benjamin Franklin, Slavery, and the American Revolution. New York City, NY: Hill & Wang, 2004.· Wood, Gordon. The Americanization of Benjamin Franklin. New York City, NY: Penguin, 2005.· See pinned post on Bluesky for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    48.1: Benjamin Franklin

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2024 59:11


    On this episode, Cody and Steve finally tackle one of the giants of the American Revolution, Poor Richard himself, Benjamin Franklin.Sources· Brands, H. W. The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin. New York City, NY: Doubleday, 2000.· Gupton, Nancy. “Benjamin Franklin and the Kite Experiment.” The Franklin Institute. 12 Jun 2017. . Retrieved 19 Nov 2024.· Isaacson, Walter. Benjamin Franklin: An American Life. New York City, NY: Simon & Schuster, 2003.· Rubin Stuart, Nancy. Poor Richard's Women: Deborah Read Franklin and the Other Women Behind the Founding Father. Boston, MA: Beacon Press, 2022.· Smith, John L., Jr. “Benjamin Franklin's Battery of Lovers.” Journal of the American Revolution. 2 Jun 2016. . Retrieved 19 Nov 2024.· Waldstreicher, David. Runaway America: Benjamin Franklin, Slavery, and the American Revolution. New York City, NY: Hill & Wang, 2004.· Wood, Gordon. The Americanization of Benjamin Franklin. New York City, NY: Penguin, 2005.· See pinned post on Bluesky for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    47: Nathaniel Folsom

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2024 24:23


    On this episode, Cody and Steve talk about the exploits of the Granite State's favorite son, Nathaniel Folsom.Podcast to recommend: Civics 101 (Civics 101: A Podcast)Sources· Bell, J.L. “General Folsom and Colonel Stark.” Boston 1775. Blogspot. 23 Jun 2011. < https://boston1775.blogspot.com/2011/06/general-folsom-and-colonel-stark.html>. Retrieved 15 Oct 2024.· Bell, J.L. “General Folsom and General Sullivan.” Boston 1775. Blogspot. 24 Jun 2011. < https://boston1775.blogspot.com/2011/06/general-folsom-and-general-sullivan.html>. Retrieved 15 Oct 2024.· Potter, C.E. The History of Manchester, Formerly Derryfield, in New Hampshire; Including that of Ancient Amoskeag, or the Middle Merrimack Valley. Manchester, NH: Self-published, 1856.· United States Congress. “Folsom, Nathaniel.” Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. < https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/F000244>. Retrieved 15 Oct 2024.· Willey, George F., ed. State Builders: An Illustrated and Biographical Record of the State of New Hampshire. Manchester, NH: State Builders Publishing, 1903.· See pinned post on Bluesky for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    46: William Floyd

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2024 22:57


    On this week's episode, Cody and Steve talk about William Floyd and decide whether or not silence earns you a place as a Founding Father.Podcast to recommend: Blowback (Blowback)Sources· Maxwell, William Q. A Portrait of William Floyd of Long Island. Setauket, NY: Society of the Preservation of Long Island Antiquities, 1956.· Pyne, Fred W. “William Floyd.” Society of the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence. . Retrieved 7 Oct 2024.· Scubiere, Paul J. New York's Signers of the Declaration of Independence. Albany, NY: New York State American Revolutionary Bicentennial Commission, 1975.· See pinned post on Bluesky for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    45 - Joseph Galloway

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2024 32:51


    On this episode, Cody and Steve talk about Joseph Galloway, the Founding Father who committed the ultimate sin.Podcast to recommend: Assassinations (Assassinations Podcast)Sources· Ferling, John. The Loyalist Mind: Joseph Galloway and the American Revolution. College Station, PA: Pennsylvania State U. Press, 1977.· Ford, Washington C., ed. Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-89 Vol 1. Washington, DC: Library of Congress, 1904.· Gardner, Zachary. “Joseph Galloway: The Occupation of Philadelphia.” HIST 102: The American Revolutionary War. Harvard U. Department of History, 2017. . Retrieved 24 Sept 2024.· Stewart, Graham. “Joseph Galloway: The Forgotten Founding Father.” Englesberg Ideas, 19 Jan 2021. . Retrieved 24 Sept 2024.· Smith, James M. “Joseph Galloway's Plan of Union.” Journal of the American Revolution, 26 Jan 2022. . Retrieved 24 Sept 2024.· United States Congress. “Galloway, Joseph.” Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. . Retrieved 24 Sept 2024. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    44: Thomas Fitzsimons

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2024 25:38


    On this episode, Steve and Cody discuss another Revolutionary immigrant from the Emerald Isle, Thomas Fitzsimons.Podcast to recommend: Anglo-Saxon England (Anglo-Saxon England (evergreenpodcasts.com))Sources· Flanders, Henry. “Thomas Fitzsimmons.” The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography 2, no. 3 (1878): 306–14. . Retrieved 10 Sept 2024.· United States Congress. “Fitzsimons, Thomas.” Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. . Retrieved 10 Sept 2024.· Wright, Jr., Robert K., and Morris J. MacGregor, Jr. Soldier-Statesmen of the Constitution. Washington, DC: U.S. Army Center of Military History, 1987.· See pinned tweet for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    43: William Few

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2024 21:50


    Podcast to recommend: American RevolutionOn this episode, Cody and Steve discuss the few and far between details of the Constitutional Convention's man of few words, William Few.Podcast to recommend: American Revolution (http://blog.amrevpodcast.com/)SourcesUnited States Congress. “Few, William.” Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. . Retrieved 27 Aug 2024.Wright, Jr., Robert K., and Morris J. MacGregor, Jr. Soldier-Statesmen of the Constitution. Washington, DC: U.S. Army Center of Military History, 1987.See pinned tweet for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Episode 43: Oliver Ellsworth

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2024 42:59


    On this episode, Cody and Steve talk about another important dude who didn't sign anything, Oliver Ellsworth.Podcast to recommend: America's National Parks (https://nationalparkpodcast.com/)SourcesAbraham, Henry J. Justices and Presidents: A Political History of Appointments to the Supreme Court. Oxford, UK: Oxford U. Press, 1992.Brown, William Garrott. The Life of Oliver Ellsworth. New York City, NY: Macmillan, 1905.Friedman, Leon. The Justices of the United States Supreme Court: Their Lives and Opinions. New York City, NY: Chelsea House, 1995.Toth, Michael C. Founding Federalist: The Life of Oliver Ellsworth. New York City, NY: Simon & Schuster, 2011.See pinned tweet for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Episode 42: William Ellery

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2024 20:40


    On this episode, Steve and Cody discuss one of those rarest of creatures, a Rhode Islander, William Ellery.Podcast to recommend: America's Secret Wars (https://redcircle.com/shows/america-secret-wars)SourcesFowler, Jr., William M. William Ellery: A Rhode Island Politico and Lord of Admiralty. Metuchen, NJ: Scarecrow Press, 1973.Hand, Tom. “William Ellery of Rhode Island: Merchant, Lawyer, and Signer of the Declaration of Independence.” Constituting America. 22 October 2022. . Retrieved 6 Aug 2024.Pyne, Frederick. “William Ellery.” Society of the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence. 2011. . Retrieved 6 Aug 2024.United States Congress. “Ellery, William.” Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. . Retrieved 6 Aug 2024.See pinned tweet for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Episode 41: Eliphalet Dyer

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2024 23:53


    On this episode, Cody and Steve discuss weird biblical names and John Adams' opinions about people as they discuss Eliphalet Dyer.Podcast to recommend: History of Byzantium (https://thehistoryofbyzantium.com/)Also... be sure to check out our friends at the Ancient and Esoteric Order of the Jackalope! (https://order-of-the-jackalope.com) SourcesDexter, Franklin B. Biographical Sketches of the Graduates of Yale College, 1701-45. New York City, NY: Henry Holt & Co., 1885.Trumbull, J. Hammond. “Eliphalet Dyer.” The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography 3, no. 2 (1879): 174–77. . Retrieved 31 Jul 2024.United States Congress, “Dyer, Eliphalet,” retrieved 31 July 2024, .See pinned tweet for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Episode 40: William Duer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2024 34:10


    On this episode, Steve and Cody discuss William Duer, the man almost single-handedly responsible for America's first financial crash.Podcast to recommend: The Hellenistic Age (https://hellenisticagepodcast.wordpress.com/)SourcesBrown, Abram. “The High Crimes And Misadventures Of William Duer, The Founding Father Who Swindled America.” Forbes. 4 Jul 2019. . Retrieved 15 Jul 2024.Jones, Robert Francis. The King of the Alley, William Duer: Politician, Entrepreneur, and Speculator, 1768-99. Philadelphia, PA: American Philosophical Society, 1992.Narron, James, and Skeie, David. “Crisis Chronicles: Central Bank Crisis Management during Wall Street's First Crash.” Federal Reserve Bank of New York. 9 May 2014. . Retrieved 15 Jul 2024.Sylla, Richard, et al. “Alexander Hamilton, Central Banker: Crisis Management During the U. S. Financial Panic of 1792.” Business History Review 83 (Spring 2009). . Retrieved 15 Jul 2024.Wright, Robert E., and Cowen, David J. Financial Founding Fathers: The Men Who Made America Rich. Chicago, IL: U. of Chicago Press, 2006.See pinned tweet for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Episode 39: James Duane

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2024 25:44


    On this episode, Steve and Cody discuss James Duane, the blueblood post-Revolution Mayor of New York City.Podcast to recommend: The Explorers (https://explorerspodcast.com/)SourcesAlexander, Edward. Revolutionary Conservative: James Duane of New York. New York City, NY: AMS Press, 1978.Burrows, Edwin G. and Wallace, Mike. Gotham: A History of New York City to 1898. New York City, NY: Oxford U. Press, 1999.Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789, ed. Worthington C. Ford et al. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1905.United States Congress. “James Duane.” Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. . Retrieved 2 Jul 2024.See pinned tweet for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Episode 38: Richard Henry Lee

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2024 46:32


    On this episode, Steve and Cody follow up on the special episode on the Lee Resolution from a year ago and discuss its author, the six-fingered Senator, Richard Henry Lee.Podcast to recommend: The Civil War & Reconstruction (https://civilwarpodcast.org/)SourcesJournals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789, ed. Worthington C. Ford et al. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1905.McGaughy, J. Kent. Richard Henry Lee of Virginia: A portrait of an American Revolutionary. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 2004.Unger, Harlow Giles. First Founding Father: Richard Henry Lee and the Call for Independence. New York City, NY: Da Capo Press, 2017.United States Congress. “Richard Henry Lee.” Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. . Retrieved 18 Jun 2024.See pinned tweet for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Episode 37: William Henry Drayton

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2024 19:15


    On this episode, Steve and Cody discuss Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, six time Grammy nominee, and lovelorn reality TV subject, William Drayton…wait, no, that's not right…Podcast to recommend: The Almost Forgotten (http://almostforgotten.squarespace.com/)SourcesDabney, William M. and Marion Dargan. William Henry Drayton and the American Revolution. Albuquerque, NM: U. of New Mexico Press, 1962.Krawczynski, Keith. William Henry Drayton: South Carolina Revolutionary Patriot. Baton Rouge, LA: LSU Press, 2001.“William Henry Drayton.” National Park Service. 27 Dec 2019. . Retrieved 4 Jun 2024.See pinned tweet for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Episode 36: John Dickinson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2024 60:40


    On this episode, Steve and Cody discuss the “Penman of the Revolution,” John Dickinson.Podcast to recommend: Age of Napoleon (https://ageofnapoleon.com/)SourcesCalvert, Jane E. “Liberty Without Tumult: Understanding the Politics of John Dickinson.” The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography, vol. 131. Philadelphia, PA: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 2007.Dickinson, John. Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania. Delaware Department of Historical and Cultural Affairs. . Retrieved 20 May 2024.Flower, Milton E. John Dickinson: Conservative Revolutionary. Charlottesville, VA: U. of Virginia Press, 1983.Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789, ed. Worthington C. Ford et al. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1905.Murchison, William. The Cost of Liberty: The Life of John Dickinson. Washington, DC: Regency Gateway, 2013.United States Congress. “John Dickinson.” Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. . Retrieved 20 May 2024.Wright Jr., Robert K., and MacGregor Jr., Morris J. Soldier-Statesmen of the Constitution. Washington, DC: United States Army Center of Military History, 1987. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Episode 35: Silas Deane

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2024 37:34


    On this episode, Steve and Cody discuss Silas Deane, America's first diplomat.Podcast to recommend: Rejects and Revolutionaries (https://americanhistorypodcast.net/)SourcesCovart, Elizabeth M. “Silas Deane, Forgotten Patriot.” Journal of the American Revolution. 30 Jul 2014. . Retrieved 2 May 2024.Drury, David. “The Rise and Fall of Silas Deane, American Patriot.” Connecticut History. 2 Oct 2020. . Retrieved 2 May 2024.Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789, ed. Worthington C. Ford et al. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1905.Paul, Joel Richard. Unlikely Allies: How a Merchant, a Playwright, and a Spy Saved the American Revolution. New York City, NY: Riverhead Books, 2009.Van Vlack, Milton C. Silas Deane, Revolutionary War Diplomat and Politician. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Co., 2013.See pinned tweet for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Episode 34: John De Hart

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2024 19:49


    On this episode, De Steve and De Cody discuss their second straight subject (and fourth overall) from Elizabeth, New Jersey, John De Hart.Podcast to recommend: Passed (https://shows.acast.com/passedpod)SourcesUnited States Congress. “John De Hart.” Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. . Retrieved 23 Apr 2024.See pinned tweet for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Episode 33: Jonathan Dayton

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2024 49:35


    On this episode, Cody and Steve bring the podcast home as they discuss the man whose name adorns the city that the show is recorded in, Jonathan Dayton.Sources“Brief History of Dayton.” City of Dayton, City Commission Office. . Retrieved 9 Apr 2024.Stewart, David O. “Burr, Ogden and Dayton: The Original Jersey Boys.” Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Aug 2011. . Retrieved 9 Apr 2024.United States Congress. “Jonathan Dayton.” Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. . Retrieved 9 Apr 2024.Wright Jr., Robert K., and MacGregor Jr., Morris J. Soldier-Statesmen of the Constitution. Washington, DC: United States Army Center of Military History, 1987.See pinned tweet for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Episode 32: William Richardson Davie

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2024 51:13


    On this episode, Cody and Steve discuss their first subject who didn't sign any of the founding documents, the hero of Charlotte and the original Tar Heel, William Richardson Davie.Podcast to recommend: Flatpack History of Sweden (https://aflatpackhistoryofsweden.com/)SourcesAnderson III, William L. “William Richardson Davie.” Charlotte History Museum. . Retrieved 20 Mar 2024.Broadwater, Jeff. “William Richardson Davie.” North Carolina History Project. . Retrieved 20 Mar 2024.Fulghum, R. Neil. William Richardson Davie: Soldier, Statesman, and Founder of the University of North Carolina. Chapel Hill, NC: U. of North Carolina Press, 2006.Robinson, Blackwell P. Revolutionary War Sketches of William R. Davie. Raleigh, NC: North Carolina Dept. of Cultural Resources, 1976.See pinned tweet for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Episode 31: Francis Dana

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2024 46:41


    On this episode, Comrade Cody and Comrade Steve venture into the gulag of American diplomacy as they discuss Francis Dana, the first ambassador from the United States to the once and future adversary, Russia.Podcast to recommend: History of Persia (https://history-of-persia-pod-cast.com/)SourcesBolkhouitinov, Nikolai N. Russia and the American Revolution. Tallahassee, FL: The Diplomatic Press, 1976.Dana, Richard H. “Francis Dana.” The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography, vol. 1, no. 1, 1877.Kaminski, John P., ed., et al. “Ratification of the Constitution by the States – Massachusetts Supplemental Documents.” The Documentary History of the Ratification of the Constitution. Madison, WI: Center for the Study for the Ratification of the Constitution, 2023.McCullough, David. John Adams. New York City, NY: Simon & Schuster, 2001.Ruppert, Bob. “Francis Dana and America's Failed Embassy to Russia.” Journal of the American Revolution. 22 Feb 2017. . Retrieved 11 Mar 2024.Syrett, Harold, ed. The Papers of Alexander Hamilton, vol. 3. New York City, NY: Columbia U. Press, 1962.United States Congress. “Francis Dana.” Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. . Retrieved 11 Mar 2024.See pinned tweet for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Episode 30: Thomas Cushing

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2024 39:31


    On this episode, Steve and Cody discuss a guy who would probably get picked last for dodgeball, Thomas Cushing.Podcast to recommend: History of the Germans (https://historyofthegermans.com/)SourcesLibrary of Congress. Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-89, Vol. I-II. Washington, DC: 1904-05. . Retrieved 21 Feb 2024.Monk, Will. “Thomas Hutchinson and His Letters.” Journal of the American Revolution. 1 Aug 2023. . Retrieved 21 Feb 2024.United States Congress. “Thomas Cushing.” Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. . Retrieved 21 Feb 2024.See pinned tweet for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Episode 29: Stephen Crane

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2024 24:40


    On this episode, Steve and Cody hash out whether Revolutionary martyrdom is enough to be a Founding Father, as they discuss Stephen Crane.Podcast to recommend: History in the Bible (https://www.historyinthebible.com/)SourcesFleming, Thomas. “The Battle of Springfield.” New Jersey's Revolutionary Experience. Trenton, NJ: New Jersey Historical Commission, 1975.“Journals of the Continental Congress.” The Library of Congress. . Retrieved 5 Feb 2024.“Stephen Crane.” Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. United States Congress. . Retrieved 5 Feb 2024.See pinned tweet for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Episode 28: John Collins

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2024 31:48


    On this episode, Cody and Steve complete the collection of states as they talk about Rhode Island's John Collins, and why the little state caused such had such a big problem with the Constitution.Podcast to recommend: Historium (https://historium.buzzsprout.com/)Sources“John Collins.” Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. United States Congress. . Retrieved 26 Jan 2024.Kaminski, John, et. al., ed. The Documentary History of the Ratification of the Constitution. Madison, WI: Wisconsin Historical Society Press, 2011.Kratz, Jessie. “Rogue Island: The Last State to Ratify the Constitution.” National Archives. 18 May 2015. . Retrieved 26 Jan 2024.See pinned tweet for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Episode 27: George Clymer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2024 39:35


    On this episode, Cody and Steve tackle the ethics of making money off a war as they discuss George Clymer.Podcast to recommend: Age of Victoria (https://ageofvictoriapodcast.com)Sources“George Clymer.” Society of the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence. . Retrieved 9 Jan 2024.“George Clymer.” Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. United States Congress. . Retrieved 9 Jan 2024.Grundfest, Jerry. George Clymer: Philadelphia Revolutionary, 1739-1813. New York City, NY: Arno Press, 1982.See pinned tweet for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Episode 26: William Clingan

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2024 26:29


    On this episode, Cody and Steve try to peer through the mists of history to discover anything interesting about the mysterious William Clingan.Podcast to recommend: Totalus Jeffianus (https://shows.acast.com/totalusjeffianus)Sources“Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-89.” Vol. 2-15. Library of Congress. . Retrieved 26 Dec 2023.“William Clingan.” Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. United States Congress. . Retrieved 26 Dec 2023.See pinned tweet for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Episode 25: Abraham Clark

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2024 34:12


    On this episode, Steve and Cody talk about Abraham Clark, that all-too rare of creatures: a kind man from New Jersey.Podcast to recommend: Prime Time (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/prime-time-prime-ministers/id1714263877)Sources“Abraham Clark.” Society of the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence. . Retrieved 18 Dec 2023.“Abraham Clark.” Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. United States Congress. . Retrieved 18 Dec 2023.Bogin, Ruth. Abraham Clark and the Quest for Equality in the Revolutionary Era, 1774-94. Rutherford, NJ: Fairleigh Dickinson U. Press, 1982.See pinned tweet for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Episode 24: Samuel Chase

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2023 44:42


    Join Cody and Steve's as they discuss the subject of the third impeachment in U. S. history, Samuel Chase. Also…bacon.Podcast to recommend: Settling the Score (http://settlingthescorepod.com/)SourcesBradford, M. E. The Restless Incendiary: Samuel Chase of Maryland. Marlborough, NH: The Plymouth rock Foundation, 1991.Perlin, Adam A. “The Impeachment of Samuel Chase: Redefining Judicial Independence.” Rutgers Law Review. Vol. 62:3, 2010. . Retrieved 5 Dec 2023.Raphael, Ray. “Samuel Chase's Wild Ride.” Journal of the American Revolution. 2 Jul 2013. . Retrieved 5 Dec 2023.“Samuel Chase.” Society of the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence. . Retrieved 5 Dec 2023.See pinned tweet for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Episode 23: Richard Caswell

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2023 33:51


    On this episode, Steve and Cody barely talk about the founding documents, as they dive into the up-and-down military career of North Carolina's first governor, Richard Caswell.Podcast to recommend: History of China (https://thehistoryofchina.wordpress.com/)SourcesBuchanan, John. The Road to Guilford Courthouse: The Revolution in the Carolinas. New York City, NY: Wiley & Sons, 1997.Connor, R.D.W. Revolutionary Leaders of North Carolina. Chapel Hill, NC: U. of North Carolina Press, 1916.Lewis, J.D. “Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge.” The American Revolution in North Carolina. . Retrieved 31 Oct 2023.Slappey, Kelly. “Richard Caswell.” North Carolina History Project. John Locke Foundation. . Retrieved 31 Oct 2023.United States Congress. “Richard Caswell” Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. . Retrieved 31 Oct 2023. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Episode 22: Daniel Carroll

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2023 44:37


    On this episode, Steve and Cody decide whether political obstinacy is a good thing or a bad thing as they take on Daniel Carroll, with a little bit of D. C. in the mix.Podcast to recommend: Wonders of the World (https://www.wonderspodcast.com/)SourcesGeiger, Mary Virginia. Daniel Carroll: A Framer of the Constitution. Lewis, Tom. Washington: A History of Our National City. New York City, NY: Basic, 2005.United States Congress. “Daniel Carroll.” Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. . Retrieved 20 Oct 2023.Wright Jr., Robert K. and MacGregor Jr., Morris J. Soldier-Statesmen of the Constitution. Washington, DC: U. S. Army Center of Military History, 1987.See pinned tweet for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Episode 21: Charles Carroll of Carrollton

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2023 48:18


    On this episode, Steve of Dayton and Cody of Miamisburg discuss the one of the more oddly-named figures amongst the founders, Charles Carroll of Carrollton.Podcast to recommend: Unsung History (https://www.unsunghistorypodcast.com/)Sources“Charles Carroll of Carrollton.” Society of the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence. . Retrieved 9 Oct 2023.Hoffman, Ronald & Sally D. Mason. Princes of Ireland, Planters of Maryland: A Carroll Saga, 1500-1782. Chapel Hill, NC: U. of North Carolina Press, 2000.McDermott, Scott. Charles Carroll: Faithful Revolutionary. New York City, NY: Scepter, 2002.See pinned tweet for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Episode 20: Pierce Butler

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2023 47:03


    On this episode, Steve and Cody delve into one of the architects behind slavery's hold on the Constitution, Pierce Butler.SourcesGannon, Kevin M. “Pierce Butler.” South Carolina Encyclopedia. 17 May 2016. . Retrieved 3 Oct 2023.United States Congress. “Pierce Butler.” Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. . Retrieved 3 Oct 2023.Wright Jr., Robert K. and MacGregor Jr., Morris J. Soldier-Statesmen of the Constitution. Washington, DC: U. S. Army Center of Military History, 1987.See pinned tweet for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Episode 19: Jacob Broom

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2023 41:18


    On this episode, Steve and Cody attempt to sweep away the dust of history that surrounds Jacob Broom of Delaware, and discuss Article Two of the Constitution.Podcast to recommend: Grimm Reading (https://grimmreading.podbean.com/)SourcesWright Jr., Robert K. and MacGregor Jr., Morris J. Soldier-Statesmen of the Constitution. Washington, DC: U. S. Army Center of Military History, 1987.“The Founding Fathers: Delaware.” National Archives. 16 Feb 2018. . Retrieved 19 Sept 2023.See pinned tweet for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Episode 18: David Brearley

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2023 27:47


    On this episode, Steve and Cody discuss a quiet man from New Jersey who helped shape the presidency, David Brearley.Podcast to recommend: Presidencies of the United States (https://www.presidenciespodcast.com/)SourcesScarini, Donald. David Brearley and the Making of the United States Constitution. Princeton, NJ: New Jersey Heritage Press, 2005.Scott, Austin Wakeman. “Holmes v. Watson: The New Jersey Precedent.” The American Historical Review, vol. 4. New York City, NY: Macmillan, 1899.See pinned tweet for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Episode 17: Simon Boerum

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2023 22:00


    On this episode, Cody takes Steve on a journey to the New Netherland colony, as they discuss one of the most obscure signers, Simon Boerum.SourcesSchmidt, Benjamin. Innocence Abroad: The Dutch Imagination and the New World, 1570-1670. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge U. Press, 2001.Shorto, Russell. The Island at the Center of the World: The Epic Story of Dutch Manhattan and the Forgotten Colony that Shaped America. New York City, NY: Doubleday, 2004.United States Congress. “Simon Boerum.” Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Retrieved 29 Aug 2023. https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/B000591.See pinned tweet for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Episode 16: William Blount

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2023 52:18


    On this episode, Steve and Cody go on a wild ride through the ups and downs of the self-serving founder of Tennessee, William Blount.Podcast to listen to: Hard Ticket to Sidaris (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hard-ticket-to-sidaris/id1667113573)SourcesAblovsky, Gregory. “The Dark History of Indigenous Dispossession that Followed the First Impeachment Acquittal.” Standford Law School. 22 Feb 2021. Retrieved 22 Aug 23. .Masterson, William Henry. William Blount. Baton Rouge, LA: Louisiana State U. Press, 1954.Weeks, Terry. “William Blount.” Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture. 17 Oct 2018. Retrieved 22 Aug 23. .Zellers-Frederick, Andrew. “The Impeachment of Senator William Blount, the First in American History.” Journal of the American Revolution. 16 Feb 2021. Retrieved 22 Aug 23. . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Episode 15: Richard Bland

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2023 23:21


    On this episode, Steve and Cody see if pamphleteer Richard Bland lives down to his name.Podcast to recommend: Spanish Arpoda (https://spanisharpoda.com/)SourcesBiographical Directory of the United States Congress. “Richard Bland.” United States Congress. . Retrieved 8 Aug 2023.Detweiler, Robert. Richard Bland and the Origins of the Revolution in Virginia. Yorktown, VA: Virginia Independence Bicentennial Commission, 1981.Solenberger, Marjorie. “Richard Bland, Revolutionary Philosopher.” Richard Bland College News. July 1994. https://web.archive.org/web/20120918232113/http://www.rbc.edu/library/specialcollections/pdf_files/bland_unveiling_speech.pdf.See pinned tweet for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Episode 14: John Blair Jr.

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2023 28:59


    On this episode, Steve and Cody talk about the Supreme Court and try to wring some information out of the silent man from Virginia, John Blair Jr.SourcesAbraham, Henry J. Justices and Presidents: A Political History of Appointments to the Supreme Court (3rd ed.). New York City, NY: Oxford U. Press, 1992.Urofsky, Melvin I. The Supreme Court Justices: A Biographical Dictionary. New York city, NY: Garland Publications, 1994.See pinned tweet for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Episode 13: Edward Biddle

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2023 29:30


    On this episode, Steve and Cody discuss the enigmatic mystery man from Philadelphia, Edward Biddle, and continue their discussion on the Continental Association.Podcast to recommend: Tudoriferous (https://tudoriferous.wordpress.com/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Episode 12: Carter Braxton

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2023 30:37


    On this episode, Cody and Steve celebrate our Independence Day by talking about the fabulously wealthy, constantly indebted, and prodigious father from Virginia, Carter Braxton.Podcast to recommend: Tsar Power (https://open.spotify.com/show/49JyFkdWvSy0sKv37W8YX6)Sources“Braxton, Carter.” Repository of Historical Documents. Brown University Steering Committee on Slavery & Justice, < https://library.brown.edu/cds/slaveryandjustice/browse.php?verb=retrieve&class=value&valueid=95845>. Retrieved 19 Jun 2023.Cruz, Shelley. “Carter Braxton.” Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence, < https://www.dsdi1776.com/signer/carter-braxton/>. Retrieved 19 Jun 2023.Dill, Alonzo. Carter Braxton, Virginia Signer: A Conservative in Revolt. Lanham, MD: University Press of America, 1983.Rappleye, Charles. Sons of Providence: The Brown Brothers, the Slave Trade, and the American Revolution. New York City, NY: Simon & Schuster, 2006.3See pinned tweet for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Special Episode 1: Lee Resolution

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2023 17:20


    On this special episode, we mark the day the Lee Resolution was approved by the Continental Congress, July the 2nd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Episode 11: Gunning Bedford

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2023 46:25


    On this episode, Cody and Steve talk about the stark-raving madman from Delaware, Gunning Bedford.Podcast to recommend: Alexander Standard (https://open.spotify.com/show/7kOPxWp4fVKJq4Voaf4gT2) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Episode 10: Richard Bassett

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2023 39:16


    This week, Steve and Cody talk about a man whose name is more famous for a dog breed, Richard Bassett.Podcast to recommend: So You Think You Can Rule Persia? (https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.podbean.com/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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