William Hooper ( June 17 , 1742 -- October 14 , 1790 ) , was an American lawyer , politician , and a member of the Continental Congress representing North Carolina from 1774 through 1777 . William Hooper ( June 17 , 1742 -- October 14 , 1790 ) was an American lawyer , politician , and a member of the Continental Congress representing North Carolina from 1774 through 1777 .