Gouverneur Morris (1752-1816)

He was born at his family's estate "Morrisania" in what is now the Bronx in New York City, and graduated from King's College (now Columbia University) in 1768. He became a lawyer and entered politics during the Revolutionary period, serving in New York's Provincial Congress in 1775-1777, where he helped draft the state's first constitution. He represented New York in the Continental Congress (1778-79), signing the Articles of Confederation. After losing his seat due to his aristocratic views, he moved to Philadelphia in 1780 to practice law and pursue a career in business. He served as Assistant Superintendent of Finance (1781-85) under Robert Morris (no relation), helping stabilize the new nation's finances. At the Constitutional Convention in 1787, he emerged as an influential delegate and spoke more frequently than any one else. He served on the Committee on Style, penning the Constitution's final draft including its famous preamble beginning "We the People." In 1792, George Washington appointed him U.S. Minister to France, serving for two years  during the country's tumultuous revolutionary period where his Federalist sympathies and controversial actions led to his recall. 

Returning home, he served as a U.S. Senator from New York from 1800-1803. Morris devoted his later years to business enterprises, including serving as chairman of the Erie Canal Commission, where he championed internal improvements. He remained active in New York civic affairs until his death in 1816, leaving a legacy as one of the Constitution's principal architects and a fervent advocate of strong national government.