Samuel Adams

Samuel Adams was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on the 22d of September, 1722. He was educated at Harvard College, and studied theology. He afterward engaged in mercantile pursuits, but was unsuccessful, and devoted himself to public affairs.

He early took a prominent part in the resistance to the measures of the British government, and was one of the most active and influential leaders of the patriot cause. He was a member of the Massachusetts Legislature, and was the author of many of the bold and stirring resolutions adopted by that body.

He was one of the founders of the “Sons of Liberty,” and was active in organizing the committees of correspondence. He was a member of the Continental Congress, and signed the Declaration of Independence. He rendered important services in securing the adoption of that measure.

He continued in Congress until 1781, and was afterward elected to the Massachusetts Senate. He was chosen Lieutenant-Governor of Massachusetts, and in 1794 was elected Governor. He served several terms, and retired to private life.

He died in Boston on the 2d of October, 1803, in the eighty-second year of his age. He was one of the purest and most unselfish of the patriots of the Revolution, and his memory is cherished by the American people.

Source:
McCabe, James D. The Centennial Book of American Biography. Philadelphia and Chicago: P. W. Ziegler & Co., 1876. Patriot Echoes Archive