An Ards peninsula author has published a special edition of his children's book about Charles Thomson, a Maghera-born figure who served as secretary of the Continental Congress during the American Revolution.

Philip Johnston, who lives on the Ards peninsula, wrote and illustrated "The Story of Charles Thomson and the Declaration of Independence". The interactive commemorative edition includes hidden messages, visual puzzles and musical storytelling.

Johnston said he was inspired to write the book after hearing Communities Minister Gordon Lyons speak on the radio about America's approaching 250th anniversary. While researching the role of Ulster people in the founding of the United States, he encountered Thomson's name.

Born in Maghera in 1729, Thomson emigrated to the American colonies as a child after his mother's death. His father died during the Atlantic crossing, leaving him an orphan upon arrival in Delaware Bay. He was taken in by a Presbyterian minister, the Reverend Francis Alison, originally from Donegal, who provided him with an education.

Thomson became the only person to hold the post of secretary of the Continental Congress, a position he retained for more than 15 years. He oversaw the printing of the Declaration of Independence and his name, alongside John Hancock's, are the only two official names on the first adopted version of the document.

As secretary, Thomson also contributed to the design of the Great Seal of the United States, a symbol now found on passports and dollar bills. He informed George Washington of his election as first president and escorted him to his inauguration.

After the transition to constitutional government, Thomson retired from public life to Harriton House in Pennsylvania, which is now a museum. In retirement, he translated the Greek Old and New Testament into English, becoming the first to do so in America, and served as an elder in the First Philadelphia Presbyterian Church.

Johnston described Thomson as a forgotten founding father whose contributions and achievements deserved wider recognition. He was invited by the America 250 anniversary group to events in Washington earlier this year, where he and his father saw the Great Seal.

The book is available at Bangor Castle Museum and Ards Tourist Information, as well as online.