T5610-To Do Good, One Must Dare to Be Disliked - William Ellery

“To Do Good, One Must Dare to Be Disliked.”
At 48 years old, William Ellery of Rhode Island stepped into the halls of Congress not as a career politician, but as a passionate patriot ready to risk everything for liberty. A court clerk and self-taught lawyer, Ellery’s convictions burned brighter than his titles. When he signed the Declaration of Independence—knowing full well the consequences—his home in Newport was burned to the ground by the British. Still, he called the cost worth it. With a penman's elegant hand and a fighter’s resolve, he spent more than a decade in Congress, served on over 30 committees, and helped shape the emerging Republic. Known for his wit and wisdom, Ellery once said, “To do good in public life, one must dare to be disliked.” He outlived most of his fellow signers, raised 17 children, and proved that stature is measured not in height, but in courage. His signature wasn’t just ink—it was a lifelong promise.

Categories: American History