John Nixon (financier)

John Nixon
John Nixon
Born	1733; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Died	December 31, 1808 (aged 75); Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Occupation(s)	Financier, militia leader, businessman
Years active	1756–1808
Known for	First public reading of the United States Declaration of Independence; president of the Bank of North America

John Nixon (1733 – December 31, 1808) was a prominent financier and militia leader based in Philadelphia during the American Revolutionary era. On July 8, 1776, he made the historic public reading of the United States Declaration of Independence from the steps of the Pennsylvania State House, which is now known as Independence Hall.

Early life

Nixon was born in Philadelphia in 1733 to a father engaged in the shipping trade. He took over his father's enterprise in 1756.

Career

Following the enactment of the 1765 Stamp Act, Nixon endorsed the non-importation agreement and actively resisted British policies by participating in Pennsylvania’s inaugural committee of correspondence.

In April 1775, he was commissioned as lieutenant-colonel of the third battalion of the Patriot militia, called the Philadelphia Associators, and also contributed to the Committee of Safety. Between May and July 1776, Nixon led Continental Army defenses along the Delaware River at Fort Island before assuming command of Philadelphia’s city guard, tasked with safeguarding the revolutionary capital and Congress.

Elevated to colonel in 1776, Nixon fought under George Washington at the Battle of Princeton and held a position on the Navy Board. He endured the harsh winter alongside Washington at Valley Forge during 1777–78.

In 1780, Nixon was appointed director of the Bank of Pennsylvania and subsequently played a key role in founding the Bank of North America, where he served as president from 1792 until his passing.

Death

John Nixon passed away on December 31, 1808, and was interred at St. Peter's Churchyard in Philadelphia.

Biographical sketch

John Nixon, born in Philadelphia in 1733, was a soldier and businessman who inherited his father’s shipping operations in 1756. A dedicated patriot leader, he signed the non-importation agreement of 1765 and participated actively on committees of correspondence and safety. In April 1775, he was appointed lieutenant-colonel of Philadelphia’s third battalion. By July 1776, he led Philadelphia’s city guard and became the first individual to publicly read the Declaration of Independence. His battalion was stationed at Amboy that summer; by year-end, he reinforced Washington’s forces at Trenton and fought at Princeton. He served on the navy board in 1776 and spent the winter at Valley Forge in 1778. In 1780, he directed a bank supporting army provisions and co-founded the Bank of North America in 1783, presiding over it from 1792 until his death on December 31, 1808.

External links