Cornelius Harnett

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. Harnett was elected to represent Wilmington in the North Carolina General Assembly in 1754.

Harnett's house, near Wilmington, North Carolina

In 1765, Harnett became the chairman of the Sons of Liberty, and was a leader in the resistance to the Stamp Act. In 1775-1776, he served as the first president of the North Carolina Provincial Council, or Council of Safety, essentially the chief executive of the revolutionary state, although with limited powers. In 1776 he was excepted by Sir Henry Clinton from his proclamation of general amnesty. He was a member of the Continental Congress for 1777-1779.

In 1781 he was captured by the British upon their occupation of Wilmington in January. His health steadily declined while imprisoned. He died April 28, 1781 , shortly after being released on parole. He was buried in St. James Episcopal Church in Wilmington, North Carolina.

References

• Connor, Robert D. W. Cornelius Harnett;: An essay in North Carolina history, 1971, Books for Libraries Press (ISBN 0-8369-5647-8).
• Connor, Robert D. W. Revolutionary Leaders of North Carolina, reprinted 1971 from 1916 edition. (ISBN 0-87152-063-X) Chapter 3: pages 49–78.
• Biographical Directory of the United States Congress

External links

• Cornelius Harnett at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
• Excerpt from "Dictionary of North Carolina Biography" (ISBN 0-8078-1918-2)
• Cornelius Harnett Letters, #311-z at the Southern Historical Collection, Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Preceded by Royal Governor of North Carolina Josiah Martin

President of the North Carolina Council of Safety 1776

Succeeded by Samuel Ashe

Persondata
Name	Harnett, Cornelius
Alternative names
Short description
Date of birth	20 April 1723
Place of birth
Date of death	April 28, 1781
Place of death