Imperfect Men

On this episode, Cody and Steve talk about the cantankerous old sea dog, Stephen Hopkins.Sources·        Bamberg, Cherry F., et al. (January 2012). “The Slaves of Gov. Stephen Hopkins.” New England Genealogical Register. 33: 11-27.·        Bicknell, Thomas W. The History of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. New York City, NY: American Historical Society, 1920.·        Lightbourn-Butz, Adrienne. “Stephen Hopkins.” Society of the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence. <https://www.dsdi1776.com/signer/stephen-hopkins/>. Retrieved 5 Aug 2025.·        Robinson, Natalie. Revolutionary Fire: The Gaspee Incident. Providence, RI: Rhode Island Committee for the Humanities, 1984.·        See pinned post on Bluesky for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Cody and Steve discuss the possibly closet Loyalist, William Hooper. And Jaws. And Farscape. And Sliders.Podcast to recommend: Prime Factors (Prime Factors - Ranking UK Prime Ministers | Joe & Abram)Sources·        Engstrom, Mary C. “William Hooper.” NCpedia. State Library of North Carolina, Jul 2023. <https://www.ncpedia.org/biography/hooper-william>. Retrieved 21 Jul 2025.·        Kneip, Robert C. William Hooper, Misunderstood Patriot. New Orleans, LA: Tulane U., 1980.·        Lowry, Harold D. “William Hooper.” Society of the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence, 2006. <https://www.dsdi1776.com/signer/william-hooper/>. Retrieved 21 Jul 2025.·        Watson, Alan D., et al. Harnett, Hooper, and Howe: Revolutionary Leaders of the Lower Cape Fear. Madison, WI: U. of Wisconsin, 1979.·        See pinned post on Blusky for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Cody and Steve try to scare up anything to discuss about Samuel Holten, including his witchy past.Sources·        “Sarah Houlton / Samuel Holten House.” Salem Witch Museum. <https://salemwitchmuseum.com/locations/sarah-houlton-samuel-holten-house/>. Retrieved 5 Jul 2025.·        See pinned post on Bluesky for general sourcesPodcast to recommend: History of Egypt (Home - The History of Egypt Podcast) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Cody and Steve travel on down to South Currrrolina to talk about Thomas Heyward, his death-defying boat ride, and his tragic legacy.Sources·        Eastman, Peg. “Remembering Thomas Heyward of 18 Meeting St.” Charleston Mercury. <https://www.charlestonmercury.com/single-post/remembering-thomas-heyward-of-18-meeting-st>. Retrieved 24 Jun 2025.·        McNamara, Rieman, Jr. “Thomas Heyward, Jr.” Society of the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence. 2007. <https://www.dsdi1776.com/signer/thomas-heyward-jr/>. Retrieved 24 Jun 2025.·        “More than a Signer: The Military Career of Thomas Heyward, Jr.” Charleston Museum. <https://www.charlestonmuseum.org/news-events/more-than-a-signer-the-military-career-of-thomas-heyward-jr/>. Retrieved 24 Jun 2025.·        See pinned post on Bluesky for general sourcesPodcast to recommend: History of Australia (A History of Australia Podcast – Australian History beyond the classroom) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Cody and Steve talk about a star that burned twice as brightly for half as long, Joseph Hewes.Podcast to recommend: Warlords of History (Warlords of History)Sources·        “Hewes, Joseph.” Society of the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence. <https://www.dsdi1776.com/signer/joseph-hewes/>. Retrieved 16 Jun 2025.·        Martin, Michael G., Jr. “Joseph Hewes.” Martin, Michael G., Jr. "Hewes, Joseph." NCpedia. State Library of North Carolina. December 2023. <https://www.ncpedia.org/biography/hewes-joseph>. Retrieved 16 Jun 2025.·        McCurry, Allan J. “Joseph Hewes and Independence: A Suggestion.” The North Carolina Historical Review 40, no. 4 (1963): 455–64. <http://www.jstor.org/stable/23517596>. Retrieved 16 Jun 2025.·        See pinned post on Bluesky for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Steve and Cody talk about the Colonel Klink of the Revolution, John Harvie.Podcast to recommend: Visiting the Presidents (https://visitingthepresidents.com/)Sources·        “’The Barracks,’ Historic Farm Near Charlottesville, Is Sold.” Richmond Times-Dispatch. 21 Jan 1951. <https://www.newspapers.com/article/richmond-times-dispatch-the-barracks/76741749/>. Retrieved 9 Jun 2025.·        Harvie, Lewis Edwin. The Harvie Family. Richmond, VA: Self-published, 1928.·        See pinned post on Bluesky for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Cody & Steve talk about America’s original caveman, John Hart.Podcast to recommend: Secret Lives of Parks (The Secret Lives of Parks)Sources·        Clinger, James C. “John Hart: Farmer, Second Continental Congress Delegate, First Speaker of the New Jersey State Legislature, and Declaration of Independence Signer.” Constituting America. <https://constitutingamerica.org/90day-dcin-john-hart-farmer-second-continental-congress-delegate-first-speaker-new-jersey-state-legislature-declaration-of-independence-signer-guest-essayist-james-c-clinger/>. Retrieved 27 May 2025.·        Hammond, Cleon. John Hart: The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of Independence. Newfane, VT: Pioneer Press, 1977.·        Keiper-Staller, Grace. “John Hart.” Society of the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence. <https://www.dsdi1776.com/signer/john-hart/>. Retrieved 27 May 2025.·        See pinned post on Bluesky for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill, Cody & Steve discuss one of America’s earliest martyrs, Joseph Warren.Podcast to recommend: History of Tammany Hall (The History of Tammany Hall | The History of Tammany Hall)Sources·        Archer, Richard. As If an Enemy’s Country: The British Occupation of Boston and the Origins of Revolution. Oxford, UK: Oxford U. Press, 2006.·        Di Spigna, Christian. Founding Martyr: The Life and Death of Joseph Warren, the American Revolution’s Lost Hero. New York City, NY: Crown, 2018.·        Philbrick, Nathan. Bunker Hill: A City, a Siege, a Revolution. New York City, NY: Penguin, 2014.·        Schenawolf, Harry. “General Doctor Joseph Warren: Patriot Leader Killed at Bunker Hill.” 1 Oct 2016. Revolutionary War Journal. <https://revolutionarywarjournal.com/warren/>. Retrieved 20 May 2025.·        See pinned post on Bluesky for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Cody and Steve talk about the second-most famous Benjamin Harrison, Benjamin Harrison V. The V is probably for Virginia.Podcast to recommend: Almost Presidents (The Almost Presidents Podcast - Podcast - Apple Podcasts)Sources·        Dowdey, Clifford. The Great Plantation. New York City, NY: Rinehart & Co., 1957.·        Smith, Howard W. Benjamin Harrison and the American Revolution. Williamsburg, VA: Virginia Independence Bicentennial Commission, 1978.·        See pinned post on Bluesky for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Cody and Steve talk about Dr. Cornelius, a chimpanzee sympathetic to the plight of astronaut Taylor, played by Charlton Heston...wait, that's not right. No, they talk about Dr. Cornelius Evazan, who messed with Luke Skywalkwer and got Ponda Baba's arm chopped off...no, wait, that's not it either. Who are they talking about, again?Podcast to recommend: Space Rocket History (Space Rocket History Podcast - Welcome to the Space Rocket History podcast)Sources·        Lennon, Donald R. "Harnett, Cornelius, Jr.." NCpedia. Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press. Accessed 1 Apr 2025. <https://www.ncpedia.org/biography/harnett-cornelius-jr>.·        Mulrooney, Margaret M. Race, Place, and Memory: Deep Currents in Wilmington, North Carolina. Tallahassee, FL: U. Press of Florida, 2018.·        Watson, Alan D., et al. Harnett, Hooper, and Howe: Revolutionary Leaders of the Lower Cape Fear. Madison, WI: U. of Wisconsin Press, 1979.·        See pinned post on Bluesky for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Steve and Cody discuss the long-lost fourth Hanson brother, John Hanson. No idea if he can carry a tune or not.Podcast to recommend: Not Quite PresidentsSources·        Kremer, J. Bruce. John Hanson of Mulberry Grove. New York City, NY: A&C Boni, 1938.·        Levering, Ralph B. “John Hanson, Public Servant.” Maryland Historical Magazine 71 (Summer 1976), p. 113-33.·        Nelson, Jacob A. John Hanson and the Inseparable Union. Boston, MA: Meador, 1939.·        See pinned post on Bluesky for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Cody and Steve dive into the biggest name on the Declaration (literally) and see if John Hancock lives up to the hype.Podcast to recommend: Our Fake History (Our Fake History – Historical Myths Relished and Ruined!)Sources·        Adams, James Truslow. “Portrait of an Empty Barrel.” Harpers Magazine 161 (p. 425-34), September 1930.·        Barbier, Brooke. King Hancock: The Radical Influence of a Moderate Founding Father. Cambridge, MA: Harvard U. Press, 2023.·        Fowler, William M. Jr. The Baron of Beacon Hill: A Biography of John Hancock. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin, 1980.·        Unger, Harlow Giles. John Hancock: Merchant King and American Patriot. Edison, NJ; Castle Books, 2005.·        See pinned post on Bluesky for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Cody and Steve continue their discussion about the Dick Grayson to George Washington's Bruce Wayne, Alexander Hamilton.Podcast to recommend: Lost Ballparks (Lost Ballparks Podcast)Sources·        Brookheiser, Richard. Alexander Hamilton: American. New York City, NY: The Free Press, 1999.·        Chernow, Ron. Alexander Hamilton. New York City, NY: Penguin, 2005.·        Freeman, Joanne B. The Essenial Hamilton: Letters and Other Writings. New York City, NY: Library of America, 2017.·        Hendrickson, Robert. Hamilton I (1757-89). New York City, NY: Mason Charter, 1976.·        Randall, Willard Sterne. Alexander Hamilton: A Life. New York City, NY: Harper Collins, 2003.·        See pinned post on Bluesky for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Cody and Steve tackle another giant in the American pantheon, the man who had a million things to do, Alexander Hamilton.Sources·        Brookheiser, Richard. Alexander Hamilton: American. New York City, NY: The Free Press, 1999.·        Chernow, Ron. Alexander Hamilton. New York City, NY: Penguin, 2005.·        Freeman, Joanne B. The Essenial Hamilton: Letters and Other Writings. New York City, NY: Library of America, 2017.·        Hendrickson, Robert. Hamilton I (1757-89). New York City, NY: Mason Charter, 1976.·        Randall, Willard Sterne. Alexander Hamilton: A Life. New York City, NY: Harper Collins, 2003.·        See pinned post on Bluesky for general sourcesLinks to suicide prevention and counseling:Suicide prevention resources | AFSPOhio Suicide Prevention Foundation – Ohio's Voice for Suicide PreventionSuicide Prevention - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Steve and Cody talk about Lyman Hall's ministerial misdeeds, representation in Congress, and about half a dozen other things that have nothing to do with this blip of a Founder.Podcast to recommend: Irish History Podcast (Irish History Podcast)Sources·        Cook, James F. The Governors of Georgia, 1754-2004. Macon, GA: Mercer U. Press, 2005.·        Lockwood, Thornton C. “Lyman Hall.” Society of the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence. <https://www.dsdi1776.com/signer/lyman-hall/>. Retrieved 3 Feb 2025.·        See pinned post on Bluesky for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Cody and Steve discuss the lifetime of failures that is one of the most uniquely named figures of the era, Button Gwinnett.Podcast to recommend: History’s Trainwrecks (History's Trainwrecks)Sources·        Jackson, Harvey. Lachlan McIntosh and the Politics of Revolutionary Georgia. Athens, GA: U. of Georgia Press, 1979.·        McNamara, Jr., Rieman, ed. “Button Gwinnett.” Society of the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence. 2007, <https://www.dsdi1776.com/signer/button-gwinnett/>. Retrieved 28 Jan 2025.·        See pinned post on Bluesky for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Cody and Steve discuss the man who would be okay with us having a king, Nathaniel Gorham.Podcast to recommend: Totalus Rankium Pirates (Totalus Rankium | Ranking all the Roman Emperors and American Presidents)Sources·        Hauptman, Laurence M. Conspiracy of Interests: Iroquois Dispossession and the Rise of New York State. Syracuse, NY; Syracuse U. Press, 2001.·        Morton, Joseph C. Shapers of the Great Debate at the Constitutional Convention of 1787. Santa Barbara, CA: Greenwood, 2006.·        See pinned post on Bluesky for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Cody and Steve discuss the Creature from the Exeter Lagoon, Nicholas Gilman, as well as review some fun statistics from the first 50 subjects and answer a few listener questions.Podcast to recommend: Kingdom (Kingdöm: Swedish Rulers – A Flatpack History of Sweden Podcast)Sources·        Wright, Jr., Robert K., and Morris J. MacGregor, Jr. Soldier-Statesmen of the Constitution. Washington, DC: U.S. Army Center of Military History, 1987.·        See pinned post on Bluesky for list of general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Cody and Steve discuss Elbridge Gerry, gerrymandering, grumbles, and the nature of the word “gubernatorial.”Podcast to recommend: History of Africa (History of Africa Podcast)Sources·        Billias, George. Elbridge Gerry: Founding Father and Republican Statesman. New York City, NY: McGraw-Hill, 1976.·        Glynn, John C., Jr., and Grace Keiper Staller. “Elbridge Gerry.” Society of the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence. <https://www.dsdi1776.com/signer/elbridge-gerry/>. Retrieved 17 Dec 2024.·        Seabrook, Nick. One Person, One Vote: A Surprising History of Gerrymandering in America. New York City, NY: Pantheon Books, 2022.·        Witcover, Jules. The American Vice-Presidency: From Irrelevance to Power. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Books, 2014.·        See pinned post on Bluesky for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Cody and Steve discuss the dark legacy of Christopher Gadsden and how he still affects us to this very day.Podcast to recommend: Grand Dukes of the West (Grand Dukes of the West – A History of Valois Burgundy)Sources·        Butler, Nic. “The Story of Gadsden’s Wharf.” Charleston County Public Library. 2 Feb 2018. <https://www.ccpl.org/charleston-time-machine/story-gadsdens-wharf>. Retrieved 26 Nov 2024.·        Eldridge, Kelcey M., "A Forgotten Founder: The Life and Legacy of Christopher Gadsden" (2018). All Theses. 2949. <https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/all_theses/2949?utm_source=tigerprints.clemson.edu%2Fall_theses%2F2949&utm_medium=PDF&utm_campaign=PDFCoverPages>. Retrieved 26 Nov 2024.·        Godbold, Stanley, Jr., and Robert Woody. Christopher Gadsden and the American Revolution. Knoxville, TN: U. of Tennessee Press, 1983.·        McDonough, Daniel. Christopher Gadsden and Henry Laurens: The Parallel Lives of Two American Patriots. London, UK: Associated U. Press, 2000.·        See pinned post on Bluesky for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.