Gouverneur Morris was born in New York to a wealthy family with a history of public service.
Early in life, he lost a leg in a carriage accident.
He graduated from King’s College in New York City and studied law.
Many of his family and friends were loyalists, but Morris sided with the patriots.
He served in the militia as well as in the New York legislature and the Continental Congress.
When he was defeated for Congress in 1779, Morris moved to Philadelphia to practice law.
At the Philadelphia Convention, Morris gave more speeches than anyone else.
He favored a strong national government ruled by the upper classes.
He served on many committees and was the primary author of the actual document.
After the convention, Morris spent ten years in Europe.
He served briefly in the Senate, but then retired.
