Samuel Loudon

Samuel Loudon
Born1727
Ireland or Scotland
Died1813 (aged 8586)
Occupation(s)Printer, postmaster
Spouse(s)Sarah Oakes, 1756
Lydia Griswold, 1768
Childrenfive sons and three daughters
Signature
Notes
  Signature taken from correspondence from Samuel Loudon to George Washington, April 12, 1781

Samuel Loudon (1727–1813) was a colonial American printer, publisher and merchant who emigrated from Ireland some time prior to 1753. Loudon founded The New-York Packet and The American Advertiser and became the postmaster at New York State's first post office in Fishkill, New York. During the American Revolution he became the official printer of New York State and printed its first Constitution, laws, acts and other official documents, while also taking on some private commissions. Before and during the Revolution Loudon became active through the use of his newspapers promoting the cause for American independence, and for freedom of the press. After the war Loudon printed the Laws of the City of New York, and later promoted ratification of the proposed Constitution by publishing selected essays of The Federalist Papers in his newspaper.