John Witherspoon was a prominent American clergyman and politician in the 18th century. Born in Scotland in 1723, he became a leading figure in the American Revolution. Witherspoon was a signatory of the Declaration of Independence and served as the president of Princeton University, where he influenced many future leaders. As a member of the Continental Congress, Witherspoon advocated for independence from British rule. He was known for his strong beliefs in education and civic responsibility, emphasizing the importance of moral character in governance. His contributions helped shape the early foundations of the United States.