A signer of the U.S. Constitution who was licensed to preach? This was Hugh Williamson, born this day, Dec. 5, 1735. He studied divinity in Connecticut and was admitted to the Presbytery of Philadelphia, where he preached nearly two years till a chronic chest weakness convinced him to change careers. Williamson then entered medical school and during the Revolution served as Surgeon General to the North Carolina troops. As a scientist, Hugh Williamson joined Dr. Benjamin Franklin in many electrical experiments and wrote a book on climate, giving scientific explanation for the credibility of Noah's flood and Moses' exodus.