In Search of Ensign: The Story of Anthony Morris, Patriot and Signer of Continental Currency

The American Revolution was not only fought on battlefields but also on paper—specifically, the kind printed and circulated as Continental Currency. As we trace the lives of early patriots, one lesser-known but intriguing figure emerges: Anthony Morris, a militiaman who served in the war and left behind a quiet legacy... one signature at a time.

A Patriot’s Path

Anthony Morris wasn't a general or a household name. He was an Ensign, a junior officer in the Pennsylvania militia during the Revolutionary War. While he may not appear in bold print in history textbooks, his contribution was far from insignificant. As a member of Philadelphia's social and political elite, Morris came from a long line of civic leaders. The Morris family had deep Quaker roots, though many—like Anthony—chose to set aside pacifism to support the cause of American independence.

More Than a Soldier

What sets Anthony Morris apart from other patriots of the time is not only his military service but also his pivotal role in the financial lifeline of the revolution. During the war, Congress had no real power to tax, so it turned to paper money—what we now know as Continental Currency—to finance military efforts. These bills needed to be authenticated to prevent counterfeiting and ensure trust. That meant they had to be hand-signed—thousands upon thousands of them.

Anthony Morris was one of the men entrusted with this task.

The Signature That Funded a Revolution

In a time before printing signatures or mass automation, each bill had to bear the real, human signature of someone credible. Morris was one such signer. From 1775 through the early 1780s, he signed thousands of notes—usually alongside another trusted individual—to validate their legitimacy. His signature, often appearing simply as “A. Morris,”can still be found on surviving specimens of Continental bills today.

Imagine the scene: seated at a desk, day after day, bill after bill, knowing each pen stroke was a small act of defiance against the Crown. Morris’s hand helped keep the economy—however fragile—alive during the nation’s fight for freedom.

A Legacy in Ink and Service

Today, numismatists and collectors seek out Continental notes not just for their historical value, but also for the story behind the signatures. Finding one signed by Anthony Morris connects us directly to a man who balanced patriotism with public service, who wielded both sword and quill in the pursuit of liberty.

In searching for Ensign Anthony Morris, we find not just a soldier, but a symbol of how ordinary citizens contributed in extraordinary ways to the founding of a nation.

Have you seen a Continental Currency note signed by A. Morris?

If so, you may be holding a piece of his legacy. Let’s keep telling the stories of the names history nearly forgot—one signature at a time.