A Great American
Samuel Adams 1722-1803
"Chief Incendiary" or "Firebrand of Independence" Leader in the American Revolution
Born:
September 17, 1722 in Boston, Massachusetts.Education:
Graduated from Harvard in 1740 and again in 1743.Occupation:
A skilled politician and propagandist but an unsuccessful businessman.Religion:
Unitarian.Family Life:
Samuel was a second cousin of our second president, John Adams. Samuel was the son of a wealthy brewer who inherited one-third of the family property. Samuel was married to Betsy, had a son and a daughter (Hannah).Political Career:
Samuel was a member of the Continental Congress from 1774-81, Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts from 1789-93, and the Governor of Massachusetts from 1794-97.Highlights of His Career:
Samuel Adams' speeches and writings helped spark the American Revolution. Adams organized the protest against the Stamp Act in 1765 and was a founder of the Sons of Liberty. Drafted most major protest documents including the Circular Letter against the Townshend Acts (1768). Adams was a principal organizer of the Boston Tea Party in 1773. As an early supporter of separation from Britain, he was a signer of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.Appearance:
Known for his unpretentious, rumpled style, he did not wear the popular powder wigs of his day. Samuel stood about 5' 7" tall.Died:
October 2, 1803.Famous Words:
"If I have a wish . . . it is that these American States may never cease to be free and independent." ~ from a speech delivered at the State House in Philadelphia, August 1, 1776.