Charles Thomson

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For the Stuckist artist, see Charles Thomson (artist).

Charles Thomson (November 29, 1729 - August 16, 1824) born in Tobermore, a village just outside Maghera County Londonderry, Northern Ireland to Scots Irish protestant parents. His father emigrated from Northern Ireland to the British Colonies in America (later to become the United States) when Charles was 8 years old. Upon arrival in America, Charles was orphaned when his father died. He became a Philadelphia merchant and politician. He had actively resisted the British for decades leading up to the American Revolutionary War.

Charles served as the secretary of the Continental Congress through its entirety (1774-1789). Through the 15 years, the Congress saw many delegates come and go. Thomson's dedication to recording the debates and decisions provided tremendous continuity.

But Thomson's service was not without its critics. James Searle, a close friend of John Adams, and a delegate, began a cane fight on the floor of Congress against Thomson over a claim that he was misquoted in the "Minutes" that resulted in both men being slashed in the face. Such brawls on the floor were not uncommon, and many of them were promoted by argument over Thomson's recordings.

Thomson is also noted for designing, with William Barton, the Great Seal of the United States.

In Vol. CI (101), 1977 of The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography, Fred S. Rolater suggests that Charles Thomson was the "Prime Minister" of the United States.