Thomas Lynch Jr. came from an ancestral heritage of Austrian descent. When his relatives immigrated to England, they settled in Kent. Years later, a portion of the family moved to Ireland and then to South Carolina. He was born on August 5, 1749 on the Hopsewee Plantation, which his grandfather had developed into a successful homestead. He was educated at a flourishing school. Then, at the age of 13, young Lynch was sent to England to receive an esteemed education from England’s finest institutions, Eton and the University of Cambridge. 

Thomas Lynch Jr. applied himself to his studies with much zeal, especially to the philosophy of jurisprudence. He also became acquainted with some of England’s leading politicians. He began to hear about complaints from colonists about British rule. As he mingled in political circles, he heard haughty responses from members of the government demeaning the colonists. He spurned these comments and returned home.

The evidence of his education and experience was demonstrable upon his arrival. Thomas Lynch Jr. embodied the essence of a refined young man with graceful manners and engrossing conversation about his accumulated knowledge and experience. He soon married a woman from his childhood, Elizabeth Shubrick, on May 13, 1772. Ms. Shubrick’s sister married Edward Rutledge, also a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and another sister, Hannah, married the brother (William Heyward) of another signer of the Declaration, Thomas Heyward Jr.

Thomas Lynch Jr. decided not to enter the practice of law, but followed his father into agriculture. In another manner did he emulate his father, Mr. Lynch spoke earnestly about the necessity to be free people who freely lead themselves in matters of private and public interests. He addressed many assemblies about this and public trust in him grew. He was elected to numerous public offices, including the first and second Provincial Congress and the Constitutional Committee for South Carolina. During the committee, he assisted in creating the state constitution.

In 1775, South Carolina formed its first provincial regiment. Mr. Lynch was offered a captaincy and accepted. He raised the necessary number for his company and led them to Charleston. During the march, he contracted bilious fever brought on by malaria. The fever wracked his body in a permanent, devastating manner. From that point forward, he was a partial invalid. The incident forced him to step away from his company as he was incapable of fulfilling the duties required of a captain. 

In February 1776, Thomas Lynch Sr. suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and became paralyzed while serving in Congress in Philadelphia. Fearing he may die, Mr. Lynch made haste to see his father. The sickness forced his father to resign from serving. In the spring, he was asked by the Provincial Congress to fill the open seat. Thomas Lynch Jr. and his father are the only father and son to serve in the Continental Congress. 

On August 2nd, Thomas Lynch signed the Declaration of Independence along with his fellow South Carolina delegates. He was three days shy of his 27th birthday. In a touching gesture, he left room on the document for his father to sign upon his recovery. Unfortunately, his father never regained his health and they were forced to leave Philadelphia so the elder Lynch could convalesce at home. As they journeyed, his condition worsened and he died in Annapolis, Maryland.   

Health problems continued to badger Thomas Lynch Jr. as well. The bilious fever flared and debilitated his body greatly. His physicians thought some time in France would provide some needed therapy for his body to fight the virus. In 1779, he and his wife set out. They took an alternate route to the West Indies in order to secure passage to France from there due to the treachery on the seas caused by the war. The ship cast off and sailed for a few days. Then, it was lost. It was never seen again.

Thomas Lynch, Jr. was amongst the youngest men present who signed the Declaration and he was the youngest to die. He lived to be 30 years of age.