Penn, John, 1741-1788

John Penn (May 17, 1741 – September 14, 1788) was a Founding Father of the United States who signed both the United States Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation as a delegate of North Carolina.

Born near Port Royal in Caroline County, Virginia, Penn attended at common school for two years. After his father's death, Penn privately read law with his uncle, Edmund Pendleton. He became a lawyer in Virginia in 1762. In 1774, Penn moved to Granville County, North Carolina, where he practiced law and soon became a gentleman member of the political community. He was elected to attend the provincial Congress in 1775 and elected to the Continental Congress that same year. Penn served there until 1780.

After leaving the Continental Congress, Penn declined a judgeship in his native state due to failing health. In retirement he engaged in his law practice, dying in Granville County at the age of 48. Initially buried at his homesite, his body was exhumed and re-interred at Guilford Battle Grounds near Greensboro, North Carolina in 1894.