William Paca William Paca Signer of the Declaration of Independence PACA William PACA Williama Delegate from Maryland born at Wye Hall near Abingdon Queen Anne now Harford County Md. October 31 1740 was graduated from Philadelphia College in 1759 studied law in Annapolis Md. and in the Middle Temple London England was admitted to the bar in 1764 returned home and commenced the practice of his profession at Annapolis in 1764 member of the provincial assembly 17711774 Member of the Continental Congress 17741779 a signer of the Declaration of Independence served in the state senate 17771779 chief judge of the superior court of Maryland 17781780 chief justice of the court of appeals in prize and admiralty cases 17801782 governor of Maryland from November 1782 to November 1785 was influential in establishing Washington College in Chestertown Md. in 1786 delegate to the state convention in 1788 which ratified the Federal Constitution appointed by President Washington as judge of the United States Court for Maryland and served from 1789 until his death at Wye Hall Queen Anne County Md.