DelaWho?Jacob Broom
1752-1810

 

Jacob Broom was born in Wilmington Delaware to James and Esther (Willis) Broom.  A surveyor, he drew a map that George Washington used at the battle of Brandywine.  He became a successful merchant in Wilmington and built the first cotton mill on the Brandywine in 1794. Broom held numerous positions in local and state government.  In 1783 Broom composed the farewell address from the City of Wilmington to George Washington when the general visited as he returned to Mount Vernon after resigning his commission in the army.  Broom was appointed a member of the Annapolis Convention in 1786 and of the Constitutional Convention in 1787.  He spoke very little at the convention, but may have had a role in keeping the convention form adjourning before its work was completed.  Broom was active in many civic affairs.  He married Rachel Pierce, and they had eight children.  There is no portrait of Jacob Broom.