Matthew TILGHMAN, Congress, MD (1718-1790)

TILGHMAN, Matthew, a Delegate from Maryland; born at the “Hermitage,” near Centerville, Queen Annes County, Md., February 17, 1718; was tutored privately; justice of the peace for Talbot County; member of the Maryland House of Delegates 1751-1777, serving as speaker 1773-1775; president of the Revolutionary convention that directed the affairs of the colony 1774-1777; member of the committee appointed to draw up the protest against the Stamp Act; chairman of the committee of correspondence in 1774; Member of the Continental Congress 1774-1776; was summoned from his seat in Congress to attend the convention at Annapolis, Md., convening June 21, 1776, and served as president of that body; chairman of the committee of safety in 1775; chairman of the committee which prepared the first declaration and charter of rights and plan of government (constitution) for the State of Maryland; elected as a member of the State senate in 1777; reelected, but resigned before the expiration of his term; was an extensive land owner and engaged in planting; died at his home “Rich Neck,” near Claiborne, Talbot County, Md., May 4, 1790; interment in the family cemetery at “Rich Neck.”

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present