Samuel Huntington was an American statesman and a Founding Father who played a key role in the early government of the United States. Born in Connecticut on July 3, 1731, he was a lawyer, judge, and politician. Huntington signed the Declaration of Independence as a delegate to the Continental Congress and later served as its president from 1779 to 1781. Some historians consider him the first president under the Articles of Confederation. He also served as governor of Connecticut from 1786 until his death in 1796. Huntington was respected for his leadership and dedication to American independence.