In an email to my brothers a few days ago, I mentioned September 13 as a trifecta in our family:

• September 13, 1917 – The untimely death of our great-grandfather Patrick Robert Cassidy
• September 13, 1958 – The wedding anniversary of our aunt and uncle Bunny & Bill O’Brien
• September 13, 2025 – The 70th birthday of my dear husband, Farmer Gary

Before anyone accuses me of being some sort of family-history savant, I must confess the reminders come from the Ancestry app.

Something else the app provides? A feature called “Your famous ancestor.” Of course, if you go back enough generations, we’re all related in one way or another. So, no big deal, right?

However, this relative in particular is like a gift, wrapped up with a bow, just in time for Gary’s birthday.

Because this relative signed the Declaration of Independence.

Here’s a little backstory. Gary absolutely hates politics. And he’s not crazy about Broadway musicals, either.

But decades ago, I somehow talked him into watching the movie rendition of 1776. We’ve watched it together many times since. He quotes from it often.

Much like the more recent Hamilton, the script of 1776 quotes directly from historic letters and writings. So even though the characters are singing at times, they’re sticking with history.

And this particular relative of ours? Here’s a hint:

McNair! Bring me a rum!

That’s right, Rhode Island’s own Stephen Hopkins.

Here’s a clip from the movie, as the Continental Congress votes on whether to proceed with debate regarding independence:

Stephen Hopkins served as Governor of Rhode Island and was chief justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court.

A quick review of Hopkins’ life reveals many positives, but unfortunately, he was a slave holder. Although his will called for their eventual freedom upon his passing, that shameful fact remains.

Hopkins was the second-oldest member of the First Continental Congress (Benjamin Franklin was a year older). Failing health prompted Hopkins to return to Rhode Island in the fall of 1776, but that was months after signing the Declaration.

Hopkins famously steadied his palsied right hand with his left in signing, stating, “My hand trembles, my heart does not.”

Here he is in his younger years:

So how are we related?

Through Dad‘s side (as a Providence College grad, he’d have been delighted).

According to Ancestry.com, Stephen Hopkins is my “half 5th cousin 8x removed.”

Our shared ancestor is Elizabeth Mary Young Colder, who is my brothers’ and my 12th great grandmother. I haven’t taken the time yet to climb that high up in our family tree, but a quick check puts her life in England (1555-1589).

So there you have it, Gary. Happiest of birthdays to you, my darling.

And fetch me a rum!

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