Roger Sherman: Compromiser of the Constitutional Convention

Profiles in history: An ongoing series of lesser known but significant figures who shaped our world

Early American patriot Roger Sherman played a big role in the founding of America. “Foundation of the American Government,” 1925, by John Henry Hintermeister. Osborne Company. Roger Sherman is closest behind Governor Morris, who is signing the Constitution. Public Domain

This early American patriot was not known as an eloquent speaker, but Thomas Jefferson once said that he was “a man who never said a foolish thing in his life.”

Although he received little recognition during his life, Roger Sherman would become known as the only Founding Father to sign four key documents of our founding—the Continental Association, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution.