Webif the founding fathers, including thomas jefferson, thought slavery was morally corrupt, how did they reconcile owning slaves themselves, and how was it still. A french jesuit missionary who traveled up the kankakee river and across the portage to the st. Joseph river in may 1675, was likely the first european to step foot in. Webone of the big things that they did that most people don't realize or understand is that they, though they signed the declaration beginning in august 2, the vast majority. Webray suarez speaks with three historians, richard brookhiser, ron chernow and jan lewis, about what the founding fathers might have thought of america today. Websouth bend has not forgotten its founding fathers, and many of our local landmarks bear the names of these early settlers. Alexis coquillard is a prime example. Webthe founding fathers include those who signed the united states declaration of independence, the articles of confederation, the united states constitution and others.