Michael Hillegas

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Michael Hillegas (1728 - 29 September 1804) was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As the son of a well-to-do merchant involved in iron and sugar, he had the freedom and resources to participate in local politics. Hillegas was a member of the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly from 1765 to 1775.

Hillegas was the first Treasurer of the United States. In 1774 he became treasurer of the Committee of Safety under Benjamin Franklin. From 29 July 1775 to 11 September 1789, Hillegas was the treasurer of the Continental Congress. When the office of Treasurer was created in 1775, he shared the position with another patriot, George Clymer. Because Clymer was holding this office when the Declaration of Independence was signed, Clymer's signature appears on the document. Afterwards from 1777, Hillegas continued as sole Treasurer of the United States and held that position throughout the remainder of the conflict of the American Revolution, using his own fortune to support the cause. He also served briefly as quartermaster to the army and served on occasional commissions.

When the Treasury Department was created in 1789, Hillegas was replaced by Samuel Meredith. Hillegas was also an early member of the American Philosophical Society, along with Franklin. He died in Philadelphia and is buried near Franklin. Late in the 19th Century, agitation by his descendants resulted in his portrait appearing on the ten dollar gold certificate for a brief time, from 1907 to 1922.