West Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Rev. Dr. John Witherspoon
1876
Joseph Alexis Bailly (1825-1883)
Scottish born Rev. Dr. John Witherspoon (1723-1794), the only active clergyman in the Continental Congress, signed the Declaration of Independence and was an early President of Princeton University. This bronze and granite memorial was erected by members of the Presbyterian Church for the 1876 Centennial Exhibition.
The artist Bailly fled France in 1848 when he was conscripted into the army against his will. He settled in Philadelphia in 1850, and taught at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. Trained as a furniture wood carver with studies at the French Institute, he also sculpted the marble George Washington in Philadelphia City Hall's Conversation Hall.
Erected by Museum Without Walls. (Marker Number 204.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Churches & Religion • Education • Industry & Commerce • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Signers of the Declaration of Independence series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1876.
Location.
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. John Witherspoon D.D.L.L.D. (here, next to this marker); Joseph Haydn / Franz Schubert (within shouting distance of this marker); Rebecca at the Well (within shouting distance of this marker); Schubert (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Rebecca at the Well (within shouting distance of this marker); The Journeyer (within shouting distance of this marker); The Wrestlers (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Giuseppe Verdi (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 20, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 81 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 20, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
