John Penn (1741 - 1788) was a prominent American statesman and one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Born in Virginia on May 17, 1741, Penn was educated at the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University) and later became a successful lawyer. He was an active participant in Virginia's political life, serving in the House of Burgesses and supporting the cause of American independence.

Penn was appointed to represent Virginia at the Continental Congress, where he played a key role in the debates that led to the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. He was one of the 56 men who signed the document on July 4, 1776, solidifying his commitment to the American cause.

After the signing of the Declaration, Penn continued his political career, serving in various public offices. He held positions as a member of the Virginia Council of State and later as a judge of the Virginia Court of Appeals. Penn’s health declined in the late 1780s, and he passed away in 1788 at the age of 47.

Though he is not as widely remembered as some of the other Founding Fathers, John Penn's contributions to the American Revolution and the early years of the United States were significant.