06-R 163

2006 -- H 7936

Enacted 03/28/06

H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING THE MONTH OF MARCH, 2007 TO BE "COLONIAL HISTORY MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Representatives Ajello, Watson, and McNamara

Date Introduced: March 28, 2006

     WHEREAS, Rhode Island's colonial roots are rich with historic details and accounts of

everyday folks who nobly rose to the call of public service. Stephen Hopkins was just such a

man; and

     WHEREAS, Born in Providence, Rhode Island on March 7, 1707, Mr. Hopkins was

raised to be farmer in Scituate. His keen interest in local events and proceedings led to his

successful election to the position of town clerk; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Hopkins continued his career in public service, being elected as the

Representative from Scituate to the General Assembly. He was later appointed as a Justice of the

Peace, followed by and appointment as Justice of one of the Courts of Common Pleas, to which

he became Chief Justice; and

     WHEREAS, Upon his father's death, Mr. Hopkins sold the family farm and moved to

Providence. He was sent to the provincial assembly as a Representative from Providence and was

chosen Speaker. He served in the General Assembly for a total of twenty-five years, which

included serving eight years as Speaker of the House; and

     WHEREAS, In 1756, Mr. Hopkins was elected Governor of the colony, a position he

served for seven years. He was elected to serve Rhode Island in the Continental Congress in

1774, 1775 and 1776, when he had the honor of signing his name to the Declaration of

Independence; and

     WHEREAS, The year 2007 marks the 300th Anniversary of the birth of Stephen Hopkins.

In honor of all our noble forefathers, it is fitting and apropos for all Rhode Islanders to reflect on

the history of the people and events that led to our State's independence; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby proclaims the month of March, 2007 to be "Colonial History

Month" in the State of Rhode Island. We furthermore encourage all Rhode Islanders to join us in

honoring the 300th Anniversary of the birth of Stephen Hopkins and in celebrating our state's

proud heritage; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the National Society of the Colonial Dames of

America in Rhode Island.

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LC00618

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