Martha Devotion Huntington, born in 1738, was the eldest daughter of Reverend Ebenezer Devotion and Martha Lathrop. She grew up in a family deeply rooted in both faith and public service. Her father, a passionate advocate for political engagement, was a respected minister in Windham, Connecticut, and served as a representative in the Connecticut General Assembly from 1760 until his death in 1771. This early exposure to political life would shape Martha’s own role as the wife of one of the nation’s Founding Fathers.
In 1761, Martha married Samuel Huntington, a promising young lawyer from Norwich, Connecticut. At the time of their marriage, Martha was 22, and Samuel was 30, just beginning to establish himself in the practice of law. The couple moved to Norwich, where Samuel built a thriving legal career and became increasingly active in Connecticut’s political affairs. As his public profile grew, he was soon called upon for greater responsibilities in the colonies' struggle for independence. By 1779, Samuel Huntington had risen to become President of the Continental Congress, and in 1783 he would go on to serve as Governor of Connecticut. He was also one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, securing his place in the history of the American Revolution.
Although Martha and Samuel had no biological children of their own, they were devoted parents to two of Samuel’s nieces and nephews. They adopted the children of Samuel’s brother, Reverend Joseph Huntington, after his untimely death. The couple raised and educated these children with great care and affection. Their adopted son, Samuel Huntington, went on to become the Governor of Ohio in 1810–1811, continuing the family’s legacy of public service. Their adopted daughter, Frances Huntington, married Reverend Edward Dorr Griffin, who later became President of Williams College. Martha and Samuel’s commitment to their adopted children underscored their shared dedication to family and education, values that guided them throughout their lives.
Martha was not only a steadfast partner in Samuel’s political career but also a woman of intellect and moral strength. As the wife of a statesman and one of the young nation's foremost leaders, Martha supported her husband’s work during challenging and uncertain times. She managed the household affairs, offering Samuel a stable home base as he navigated the intense political landscape of Revolutionary America.
Martha Huntington passed away in 1794 at the age of 56. Samuel followed her two years later, dying in 1796 at the age of 65. They were laid to rest side by side in the Old Norwich Town Cemetery, a testament to their lifelong partnership and shared contributions to early American society. Historian Stanley Klos delivered the keynote at the re-interment ceremony, underscoring the enduring significance of Huntington’s contributions to the founding of the United States. Their legacy endures not only through Samuel’s accomplishments but also through the family values and commitment to service they instilled in the children they raised.
For students and teachers of U.S. history, this video features Stanley and Christopher Klos presenting America's Four United Republics Curriculum at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School. Filmed in December 2015, this video is an informal recording by an audience member capturing a presentation attended by approximately 200 students, professors, and guests. To explore the full curriculum, [download it here].
September 5, 1774 | October 22, 1774 | |
October 22, 1774 | October 26, 1774 | |
May 20, 1775 | May 24, 1775 | |
May 25, 1775 | July 1, 1776 |
July 2, 1776 to February 28, 1781
July 2, 1776 | October 29, 1777 | |
November 1, 1777 | December 9, 1778 | |
December 10, 1778 | September 28, 1779 | |
September 29, 1779 | February 28, 1781 |
March 1, 1781 to March 3, 1789
March 1, 1781 | July 6, 1781 | |
July 10, 1781 | Declined Office | |
July 10, 1781 | November 4, 1781 | |
November 5, 1781 | November 3, 1782 | |
November 4, 1782 | November 2, 1783 | |
November 3, 1783 | June 3, 1784 | |
November 30, 1784 | November 22, 1785 | |
November 23, 1785 | June 5, 1786 | |
June 6, 1786 | February 1, 1787 | |
February 2, 1787 | January 21, 1788 | |
January 22, 1788 | January 21, 1789 |
United States in Congress Assembled (USCA) Sessions
USCA | Session Dates | USCA Convene Date | President(s) |
First | 03-01-1781 to 11-04-1781* | 03-02-1781 | |
Second | 11-05-1781 to 11-03-1782 | 11-05-1781 | |
Third | 11-04-1782 to 11-02-1783 | 11-04-1782 | |
Fourth | 11-03-1783 to 10-31-1784 | 11-03-1783 | |
Fifth | 11-01-1784 to 11-06-1785 | 11-29-1784 | |
Sixth | 11-07-1785 to 11-05-1786 | 11-23-1785 | |
Seventh | 11-06-1786 to 11-04-1787 | 02-02-1787 | |
Eighth | 11-05-1787 to 11-02-1788 | 01-21-1788 | |
Ninth | 11-03-1788 to 03-03-1789** | None | None |
* The Articles of Confederation was ratified by the mandated 13th State on February 2, 1781, and the dated adopted by the Continental Congress to commence the new United States in Congress Assembled government was March 1, 1781. The USCA convened under the Articles of Confederation Constitution on March 2, 1781.** On September 14, 1788, the Eighth United States in Congress Assembled resolved that March 4th, 1789, would be commencement date of the Constitution of 1787's federal government thus dissolving the USCA on March 3rd, 1789.
Philadelphia | Sept. 5, 1774 to Oct. 24, 1774 | |
Philadelphia | May 10, 1775 to Dec. 12, 1776 | |
Baltimore | Dec. 20, 1776 to Feb. 27, 1777 | |
Philadelphia | March 4, 1777 to Sept. 18, 1777 | |
Lancaster | September 27, 1777 | |
York | Sept. 30, 1777 to June 27, 1778 | |
Philadelphia | July 2, 1778 to June 21, 1783 | |
Princeton | June 30, 1783 to Nov. 4, 1783 | |
Annapolis | Nov. 26, 1783 to Aug. 19, 1784 | |
Trenton | Nov. 1, 1784 to Dec. 24, 1784 | |
New York City | Jan. 11, 1785 to Nov. 13, 1788 | |
New York City | October 6, 1788 to March 3,1789 | |
New York City | March 3,1789 to August 12, 1790 | |
Philadelphia | Dec. 6,1790 to May 14, 1800 | |
Washington DC | November 17,1800 to Present |
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Dr. Naomi and Stanley Yavneh Klos, Principals
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