John Hanson

110 West Patrick Street (sharing a wall on the left of John Hanson House) belonged to John Hanson's son-in-law Dr. Thomas Philips. The National Register form covering both 108 and 110 says: “Immediately to the west of #108 is the home of his son-in-law, Dr. Philip Thomas (1747-1812). A prominent physician in Frederick County Dr. Thomas took an active part in the leadership of local affairs during the Revolution. His role in the county involved forwarding supplies to the Continental Army where he attained the rank of Colonel. Several documents indicate Colonel Thomas provided supplies for Washington's troops during the Yorktown campaign. Thomas also had charge of British prisoners in Frederick including those kept in the Hessian Barracks in Frederick City (a National Register of Historic Places property). In 1789 Thomas was one of the Electors who chose George Washington to be the first President of the United States.”

This c. 1770 portrait of John Hanson by John Hesselius hangs in the Maryland Historical Society Museum in Baltimore Maryland.

“John Hanson was born in Charles County, Maryland to a prosperous landholding family. Although he was not formally educated, he followed in his father's footsteps and pursued political office while also working as a merchant. In 1779, Hanson was a member of the Continental Congress, eventually serving as the First President of the United States Congress Assembled. Generations of historians considered him the first President of the United States, but more recent scholarship asserts that this was an overstatement of his power. Despite that, Hanson ranks among the important patriots during the Revolutionary War period.” — Maryland Historical Society