US Constitution
Portrait of Richard Dobbs Spaight

Richard Dobbs Spaight

Signer from North Carolina

Vital Statistics

Born: March 25, 1758

Died: September 6, 1802

Birthplace: New Bern, North Carolina

Spouses: 1

Children: 3

Biography

Richard Dobbs Spaight was a young, university-educated delegate from North Carolina who attended every session of the Constitutional Convention. While not a leading orator, he spoke on several occasions and his consistent presence provided crucial support for the nationalist cause. He returned to North Carolina and fought hard for ratification, becoming the state's first native-born governor. His life was one of dedicated public service.