Samuel Huntinton was a very well self-educated President. he mastered his studies of the law without attending a school, having a tutor or master. He was one of the best self-made men among the Founders. He was elected to the General Assembly of Connecticut in 1764 because of his abilities and determination. One year later he was chosen to serve on the Executive Council. Nine years after that in 1774, Huntington was appointed Associate Judge of the Superior Court, as a delegate to the Continental Congress.

He served in the Congress for 5 consecutive terms, and was then elected President. He served as President from September 28, 1779 until July 9, 1781 when he resigned because of ill health. He accepted more Councilor and bench duties while in his home in Connecticut. According to John Jay he was "one of the most precisely trained Christian jurists ever to serve his country".