FROM the Ards peninsula to Washington, local author and illustrator Philip Johnston has brought to life the inspirational story of a forgotten founding father as America marked its 250th anniversary of independence.
The author has released a special edition of his second children’s book The Story of Charles Thomson and the Declaration of Independence as he shines a light on this little known homegrown hero.
Mr Johnston, who lives on the Ards peninsula, was delighted to be invited to travel to Washington by the America 250 anniversary group to share his children’s book success earlier this year.
The interactive commemorative edition invites readers of all ages to experience the founding of America through hidden messages, visual puzzles and musical storytelling woven throughout its pages.
The book shares the life story of orphan immigrant Charles Thomson, who was born in Maghera in 1729, and rose from humble beginnings to become the only Secretary of the Continental Congress, serving at the heart of the American Revolution for over 15 years.
Thomson would play a critical role in shaping the nation, overseeing the printing of the Declaration of Independence and helping create the Great Seal of the United States.
Mr Johnston explained the inspiration behind his book saying: “I heard Communities Minister Gordon Lyons talking on the radio last St Patrick’s Day and he was looking forward to America’s 250 year celebration this year.
“As I researched the founding of America and the role people from Ulster played, the name Charles Thomson came up, which I had not heard of before.
After learning about his life and achievements I knew it was to be my next story book.
“Charles has become a widely forgotten founding father. However, I was passionate about making his contribution and achievements known through my children’s book. It truly is an inspirational story.”
Thomson’s father would take the 10 year-old and his siblings to the Colonies following the death of his mother. However, further tragedy was to follow Thomson as his father died during the Transatlantic voyage and he arrived in Delaware Bay an orphan.
Said Mr Johnston: “He was taken in by a Presbyterian minister Rev. Francis who came from Donegal. He was the Rev. Francis Alision. Charles received an education and went on to become Secretary of Continental Congress and he was the only person to hold this position.
“As secretary, he knew all the secrets and kept all the records of Continental Congress. There are only two official names on the first Declaration of Independence which was adopted on July 4: John Hancock and Charles Thomson.”
Mr Johnston further explained: “In his role as Secretary, Charles designed the Great Seal of America, a symbol which appears everywhere in America today including passports and the Dollar Bill. Charles informed George Washington he had been elected as the first President and escorted him to his inauguration.”
However, after overseeing the transition from Continental Congress to Constitutional Government, Thomson retired from public life and lived at Harriton House, Bryn Mawr Pennsylvania, now a museum.
Said Mr Johnston: “In his retirement, Charles translated the Greek Old and New Testament into English, the first to do so in America. Charles lived life as a man of faith becoming an elder in First Philadelphia Presbyterian Church.”
He paid tribute to the support his book has received saying: “I have been overwhelmed by the support and encouragement received, especially from Minister Lyons and America 250.
Jennifer Condon, executive vice-president of America 250
also wrote the foreword for the book.”
Said Mr Johnston: “It was an experience of a lifetime receiving an invite to events in Washington over St Patrick’s Day earlier this year. My father and I got to see the Great Seal up close in person, which is still used today”
The author is keen to share Thomson’s story closer to home as well.
“I recently attended events at the Ulster American Folk Park and have already spoken at some primary schools. I look forward to what else lies in store as I celebrate the story of Charles Thomson through my book.
The book is available locally at Bangor Castle Museum and Ards Tourist Information.
It can also be bought online at www.allthingseddie.com
