Joseph Hopkinson - Early Life, Education, and Career

Early Life, Education, and Career

Joseph Hopkinson (son of Francis Hopkinson) was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He received an A.B. from the University of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia in 1786, and read law to be admitted to the bar in Philadelphia in 1791. He practiced his profession there until 1814, except for the period of one year at Easton, Pennsylvania. He served as secretary of the board of trustees of the University of Pennsylvania in 1790 and 1791. In 1798, he wrote lyrics to the anthem "Hail, Columbia" (music by Philip Phile), and was associated with Daniel Webster in the Dartmouth College case. He served as counsel for Justice Samuel Chase in his impeachment trial before the United States Senate in 1804 and 1805. He became a trustee on the board of trustees of the University of Pennsylvania in 1806, holding that position for much of his life, from 1806 to 1819 and again from 1822 to 1842.