Nathaniel Scudder

Nathaniel Scudder (May 10, 1733 – October 17, 1781) was a doctor who represented New Jersey in the Continental Congress from 1778-1779. He was also one of the signers of the Articles of Confederation.

Early life[edit]

Scudder was born in Monmouth Court House(later Freehold Borough), New Jersey. He attended Princeton, where he studied medicine; after graduating in 1751, he set up practice in Monmouth County. Through exceptional work as a doctor in his field, Scudder became President of the Medical Society of New Jersey, from 1770 to 1771.^[1]

Career[edit]

Active in the early patriot cause, Scudder was a member of the New Jersey Provincial Congress in 1776, becoming the Speaker of the state general assembly. While serving as a legislator, he also served in the New Jersey Militia, taking part in the Battle of Monmouth^[2] and achieving the rank of colonel. He was later elected to the Continental Congress, serving from 1777 until 1779, and eventually was too busy to continue his medical practice. During his time with the Congress he signed the Articles of Confederation.

From 1778 to 1781, he also made time to serve as a trustee for Princeton College.^[3]

Death[edit]

Scudder was killed in action at the Battle of Black Point^[2] near Shrewsbury, New Jersey,^[4] on October 17, 1781, while fighting against British invaders. He was the only member of the Continental Congress to be killed in active battle during the Revolutionary War.^[5]

He was buried in Tennent Church Graveyard in Tennent, New Jersey.

References[edit]