Robert Treat Paine, signer of the Declaration of Independence, was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1731. Family tradition dictated that he join the clergy and he did so after graduating from Harvard College in 1749. He tired quickly of religious life, however, and set out to improve his frail health by working onboard ship. He spent several years as a merchant marine before returning home to study law.Robert Treat Paine, signer of the Declaration of Independence, was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1731. Family tradition dictated that he join the clergy and he did so after graduating from Harvard College in 1749. He tired quickly of religious life, however, and set out to improve his frail health by working onboard ship. He spent several years as a merchant marine before returning home to study law.
Robert Treat Paine, signer of the Declaration of Independence, was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1731. Family tradition dictated that he join the clergy and he did so after graduating from Harvard College in 1749. He tired quickly of religious life, however, and set out to improve his frail health by working onboard ship. He spent several years as a merchant marine before returning home to study law.