Photo of the week
Independence Day - celebrating the special relationship between the University of St Andrews and the Founding Fathers of the United States
Monday 04 July 2011
Hon. James Wilson
by Sir John Watson-Gordon
National Portrait Gallery, London
As Independence Day (July 4) marks the historic achievements of America’s Founding Fathers who, through their intellect and ambition, developed an enduring model for constitutional democracy – the University of St Andrews shares in the pride of their achievements.
The University holds a remarkable connection with this day - half of the signatories of the Declaration of Independence having attended, or received degrees, from the University of St Andrews.
James Wilson (pictured), who was born near St Andrews, was one of only six men to sign both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. While Wilson was still a student at the University (1757 to 1761), Benjamin Franklin received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws, while fellow signatory John Witherspoon was awarded a Doctorate of Divinity in 1764.
Following emigration to British America, as it was then known, in 1766, Wilson became one of the most prominent lawyers of his time. From his adopted home in Pennsylvania, Wilson served on the Supreme Court of the United States and was a major force in the drafting of the Constitution.