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Cornelius Harnett

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Cornelius Harnett (20 April, 1723 – April 28, 1781) was an American merchant, farmer, and statesman from Wilmington, North Carolina. He was a leading American Revolutionary in the Cape Fear region, and a delegate for North Carolina in the Continental Congress from 1777 to 1779.

Harnett was born to Cornelius and Elizabeth Harnett in Chowan County, North Carolina. Soon after he was born, his parents moved to Wilmington. He became a leading merchant there, and was interested in farming, milling, and mercantile ventures. In 1750 he became involved in public affairs when he was elected Wilmington town commissioner. He was appointed a justice of the peace for New Hanover County by Governor Gabriel Johnston. Cornelius was elected to represent Wilmington in the North Carolina General Assembly in 1754.

In 1765, Cornelius became the chairman of the Sons of Liberty, and was a leader in the resistance to the Stamp Act.

References

  • Conner, Robert D. W. Cornelius Harnett;: An essay in North Carolina history, 1971, Books for Libraries Press (ISBN 0-8369-5647-8).
  • Conner, Robert D. W. Revolutionary Leaders of North Carolina, reprinted 1971 from 1916 edition. (ISBN 0-87152-063-X) Chapter 3: pages 49-78.
Preceded by
Royal Governor of North Carolina
Josiah Martin
 President of the North Carolina Committee of Safety
1776 		Succeeded by
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