Daily Arizona Silver Belt

STATUE TO SIGNER DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

WASHINGTON, D. C., May 20.—The memory of Dr. John Witherspoon, the famous Scotch divine who became president of Princeton college and was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, was honored this afternoon, when a bronze likeness of him by William Couper, the New York sculptor, was unveiled in the square formed by the junction of Connecticut avenue, 18th and N streets.

The unveiling was accompanied by interesting ceremonies. The principal speakers were James Bryce, British ambassador, and Dr. Woodrow Wilson, president of Princeton university.

Other participants included Rev. Jere Witherspoon, D. D., of Richmond, Va., Reverend William A. Woods of Gettysburg, and John Witherspoon Withers, son of Professor Withers of the Agricultural college of North Carolina, all of whom are direct descendants of Dr. Witherspoon.

Dr. John Witherspoon was born in Scotland in 1722. He became a minister and preached at Paisley until called to the presidency of Princeton, then known as the college of New Jersey, in 1768. When chosen as one of New Jersey's representatives to the Continental congress, he adopted the position, and by his eloquence and patriotism did much to hold New Jersey true to the American cause. During his six years' service in the congress he continued his presidency of the university, resigning on account of ill health. He died near Princeton, September 15, 1794.