John Kean (South Carolina politician)
John Kean | |
|---|---|
Etching of John Kean by Max Rosenthal | |
| Member of the Continental Congress | |
| In office 1785–1787 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1756 Charleston, Province of South Carolina |
| Died | May 4, 1795 (aged 38–39) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Resting place | St. John’s Churchyard |
| Spouse | |
| Children | Peter Philip James Kean |
| Occupation | Merchant, politician, cashier of the Bank of the United States |
John Kean (1756 – May 4, 1795) was an American merchant, banker and member of the Continental Congress from South Carolina who was the first in a long line of American politicians.
Kean was the deputy paymaster of the South Carolina Militia during the American Revolutionary War. He was taken prisoner during the war and was detained at sea for several months, becoming ill with a respiratory ailment. After being set free, Kean became a member of a commission that audited accounts of the Revolutionary Army. Kean also served as a delegate for South Carolina in the Continental Congress from 1785 to 1787. When George Washington became president of the United States, he appointed Kean cashier of the Bank of the United States. Kean served in that capacity until his death.
Two of Kean's descendants have served in the U.S. Senate, one has served as governor of New Jersey, and three have served in the U.S. House of Representatives.