Misc. Notes
Michael was the first Treasurer of the United States. The son of a well-to-do merchant involved in iron and sugar Michael thus had the freedom and resources to participate in local politics.
Hillegas was a member of the Pennsylvania Provinicial Assembly from 1765 to 1775 and served as treasurer of the Committee of Safety under Bednjamin Franklin in 1774.
On July 29, 1775, Hillegas and fellow patriot George Clymer were appointed by the Continental Congress to share the office of Treasurer of the United Colonies.
Because Clymer was holding this office when the Declaration of Independence was signed, Clymer's signature appears on the document.
After Clymer's resignation on August 6, 1776, Hillegas assumed sole ownership of the office, which he held throughout the remainder of the American Revolution, using much of his own fortune to support the cause. He also served briefly as quartermaster to the army and served on occasional commissions.
On September 9, 1776, the Continental Congress officially changed the name of the country to the United States of America, but Hillegas's title did not officially change until March 1778. On September 11, 1789, Congress created the Treasury Department, and Alexander Hamilton took the oath of office as the first Secretary of the Treasury. On that same date, Hillegas tendered his resignation, and Samuel Meredith was appointed Treasurer. Hillegas was also an early member of the American Philosophical Society, along with Franklin.
Michael Hillegas is buried near the grave of Benjamin Franklin
Late in the 19th century, agitation by his descendants resulted in his portrait appearing on the ten-dollar gold certificate from 1907 to 1922.
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There is a Hugh Hillegas, born 8 Apr 1808 and baptized 8 MaY 1808 at St. Peter’s Church by Minister, Revd. William White. Son of Hugh and Susan Hillegas.
There is a Lucy Maria Hillegas, born 23 Jul 1808 and baptized 9 Sep 1808 at St. Peter’s Church by Minister, Revd. William White. Son of Archibald and Margaret Hillegas.
There is a William Hillegas, born 24 Jun 1810 and baptized 17 Aug 1810 at Saint. Peter’s Church by Minister, Revd. William White. Son of Archibald and Margaret Hillegas.
There is a Samuel Kuhl, who married a Susannah Hillegas on 18 Aug 1752, at Couper or Conyers Jerseys by Minister, Reverend Mr Sturgeon.
There is a William Pitt, who married a Susannah Heligas [sic] on 29 Jan 1767, at Christ Church in Philadelphia by Minister Rev. Richard Peters, D.D. [How are all these people related to Michael? Brothers and sisters?
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Misc. Notes