Robert Morris
Robert Morris played a key role in the early development of the United States. He was born in Liverpool, England, in 1734 and immigrated to the American colonies as a young man. Morris established himself as a successful merchant in Philadelphia and became one of the richest men in the colonies. During the American Revolution, Morris served as a member of the Continental Congress. He was instrumental in securing loans and supplies for the Continental Army and secured foreign aid for the revolution. After the war, Morris continued to be active in politics and signed the United States Constitution. He helped to establish the Bank of North America. However, there was not a happy ending for Robert Morris. In 1796, there is record of him owing the U.S. Treasury a total of $93,312.63. In today’s terms, that was nearly $12 million. He ended up going to debtors’ prison.