John Turnbull (1756–1843), Declaration of Independence, 1817, oil on canvis, United States Capital.
Seven signers of the Declaration of Independence had connections to Penn (numbers refer to painting position):
7: Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790), Founder; Trustee 1749–1790. Grandsons attended the Academy and University 1774–1790.
4: George Clymer (1739–1813), Trustee 1779–1813. Sons attended the Academy 1779–1782.
6: Francis Hopkinson(1737-1791), Attended first class of Academy, 1751; A.B. 1757; A.M. (hon.) 1760; LL.D. 1790; Trustee 1778–1791. Son attended the Academy and University 1781–1786.
8: Thomas McKean (1734–1817), A.M. (hon.) 1763; LL.D. 1785; Trustee 1779–1817. Sons attended the Academy and University 1774–1782.
2: Robert Morris (1734–1806), Trustee 1778–1791. Sons attended the Academy and University 1776–1802.
1: William Paca (1740–1799), Attended Academy, 1752–1756; A.B. 1759; A.M. (hon.) 1762. Sons attended the Academy 1779–1784.
3: Benjamin Rush(1746–1813), Faculty 1769–1813. Sons attended the University 1809–1819.
5:James Wilson(1742–1798), A.M. (hon.) 1766; LL.D. 1790; Faculty 1765–1766, 1790–1798; Trustee 1779–1798. Sons attended Academy and University 1784–1792.
Two additional people were associated with the production of the Declaration (numbers refer to painting position):
Timothy Matlack (1736-1829), engrosser of the final copy of the Declaration; Trustee 1779–1785. Son attended the Academy 1776.
9: Charles Thomson (1729–1824), counter-signatory of the first printing in his role of Secretary of the Continental Congress; Faculty 1750–1755; LL.D. 1784. Nephew (whom he may have sponsored) attended Academy 1769–1770.
