Who were the lesser-known Founding Fathers and what contributions did they make?

The Founding Fathers of the United States are well-known figures in American history, with names such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin immediately coming to mind. However, there were many other individuals who played a significant role in the founding of the country, often referred to as the 'lesser-known' Founding Fathers.

One such individual is John Jay, who served as the first Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court. He was also instrumental in the negotiation of the Treaty of Paris, which formally ended the American Revolution. Another Founding Father, John Dickinson, was known as the 'Penman of the Revolution' for his writings, including the Olive Branch Petition which attempted to reconcile with Great Britain prior to the Declaration of Independence.

James Wilson was a Pennsylvania delegate to the Constitutional Convention and one of the primary authors of the United States Constitution. He also helped establish the first law school in America and was a founding member of the American Philosophical Society. Another lesser-known Founding Father, Charles Carroll, was a Maryland delegate to the Continental Congress and a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

These individuals, along with many others, made important contributions to the founding of the United States of America. While their names may not be as widely recognized as some of the more prominent Founding Fathers, their contributions are no less significant.