Found an old book

Student loans in the 18th century, signers of the Declaration of Independence, and stripping out the slavers. Also, 7 other things worth your time.

A few years ago, I first came across Lives of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence, which was written by a pastor named Rev. Charles A. Goodrich in 1829.

Even though it's now 191 years old, the book reveals some surprising truths about some of the Founding Fathers. Take for example what Goodrich had to say about Thomas Stone, a Maryland lawyer who was one of the the 56 signers. 

When he wanted to continue his education, Goodrich explains, Stone faced a very 21st century problem despite living in the 18th century: taking out student loans, and struggling later to pay them off.

Carrying that debt meant Stone waited later than his peers to get married and start a family, or to do the one other big thing he wanted to do: go into business for himself. (Then he died at age 45, so it’s kind of a sad story, loans or or loans.)

Another interesting point: with a very few exceptions, almost all 56 signers were almost all entrepreneurs.

They had varying degrees of success, but besides havin…