After finishing his apprenticeship he earned himself a good name and a strong reputation , which helped him become one of the most famous signers of the Declaration of Independence for North Carolina , along with William Hooper and John Penn . . After finishing his apprenticeship he earned himself a good name and a strong reputation , which would serve him well in becoming one of the most famous signers of the Declaration of Independence for North Carolina , along with William Hooper and John Penn . .