My first piece of Continental Currency
September 26th, 1778 series.
Nathaniel Donnell and Jedediah Snowden. Issued Feb. 23,1779.
Snowden was quite the interesting fellow.
Quote:
Jedediah Snowden
Jedediah Snowden, was born in September of 1724, and was baptized at the First Presbyterian Church, October 18th, of the same year. Upon reaching manhood he established himself in business as a chair and cabinetmaker, and became, in time, one of Philadelphia's most substantial citizens. In 1773 he advertised domestic Windsor chairs in the Philadelphia Journal. March 17, 1777, he was chosen by the Assembly of the State as the "board and timber measurer" for Philadelphia. He was selected by Congress, August 8, 1778, a Signer of Continental Currency, and was designated to perform a similar office, February 23, 1779.
In 1778 the Patriotic Association was organized in Philadelphia, to foster, by material methods, the cause of the Revolutionists, and of this organization Jedediah Snowden became an aggressive member. This period was a critical one in the history of the young Republic, and in Philadelphia, the seat of government, the situation was especially desperate, owing to the scarcity of money, other than the Continental Currency, which many refused to accept. Poverty prevailed, and riotous demonstrations ensued.
The Patriotic Association was established to relieve existing conditions. So, too followed the movement to prevent the hoarding of the necessaries of life. On December 5, 1778, was presented to the Assembly a petition praying for relief. Jedediah Snowden was one of the signers, as was, also, his younger brother, Isaac Snowden. Five days later, when a committee was named to prevent "forestalling," the elder of the Snowden brothers was placed upon it. The Committee utilized militant methods, breaking into storehouses, when necessary, and compelling the shop-keepers to dispose of their supplies at reasonable prices, thus appeasing the clamor of the populace, and reducing the prevailing distress as far as possible.
In 1781 Jedediah Snowden was Collector of Taxes for Chestnut Ward, Walnut Ward and Lower Delaware Ward, of the City of Philadelphia. He was also a member of various social organizations of his day, among others the celebrated Fishing Company of Fort St. David's, established about 1753. Jedediah Snowden's death occurred April 16, 1799.
-macsoldpapermoney.com
Posted 12/04/2013 8:45 pm
