9-18-2025 8:56pm

Brutus, Cato, Centinel and Federal Farmer: The Fab Four

Beth Callahan Editor

September 17-23 is Constitution Week, every year. This year marks the 237th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution in June, 1788. Story courtesy of Louise Hunt, Regent Turtle Creek Chapter, NSDAR

WARREN COUNTY, OH -- One of America’s Fab Four was Anti-Federalist Robert Yates (Alias) Brutus.

So, what is an anti-Federalist? A Supporter opposing the ratification of the Constitution, an advocate for stronger state governments and protection of individual rights. Robert Yates published several pamphlets under the pseudonym (Brutus). His ideas were articulated as concerns about factions, representation, and the potential for tyranny within a large republic.

Along with other members of the group; George Clinton (Cato), Samuel Bryan (Centinel), and Richard Lee (Federal Farmer) their writings helped shape the state and federal balance of power. They believed in the need for a Bill of Rights to protect individual freedoms from government overreach. This idea became central to the Constitution’s ratification.

So, next question: How did Robert Yates become a New York Delegate to the 1787 Constitutional Convention? He studied Law at Yale University and established an Albany legal practice. After the Declaration of Independence, he played a significant role in drafting New York’s first constitution. Furthermore, he was appointed Chief Justice of the New York Supreme Court.

Now to the Constitutional Convention. When Mr. Yates arrived in Philadelphia, he thought the delegates would discuss the existing Articles. It became clear that the convention would be more than a modification of the current plan of the union. As a result, Robert Yates left the Convention or to say revolted, and would not sign the document. His reason was the danger of centralizing power. On the other hand, 39 delegates signed the United Staes Constitution on September 17, 1787. Seventy delegates were appointed, only 55 attended; 39 brave and determined patriots signed their name on the document.