1745 – Benjamin Rush was born near Philadelphia. He was physician general during the Revolutionary War but resigned over differences with George Washington. He signed the Declaration of Independence and was a cofounder of the Pennsylvania Society for the Abolition of Slavery. He worked in medical reform, education, and humanitarian services, especially during the yellow fever epidemic of 1793. He served as the treasurer of the U.S. Mint. He was also a devout Universalist, supporting progressive reforms such as to end capital punishment. Read more about Benjamin Rush.
