PART OF MY PATRIOTIC POSTS SERIES
“The Father of American Independence”
Samuel Adams made his impact through a small yet powerful window in American history!
Prior to America finding its independence, Samuel Adams was being tossed around by the wind, looking for his calling. Born in Boston and a graduate from Harvard in 1722, Samuel had a difficult time finding his career as a young adult.
He briefly worked at a counting house, received an inheritance to start a business (which he gave away and lost), was a tax collector and was given a job in his family brewery only to completely disregard it. During his drifting years, Samuel always carried a heart of passion and a mind of politics; it just took the right current to carry him into position.
The storm had been brewing as tensions grew between the American Colonies and the Motherland. It was around 1765 when Samuel found his flow and was carried to the forefront in the cry against British injustice. He was powerful and provoking in speech and text for independence. He was not one for public glory and gain but was a great instigator when it came to the American Revolution, playing the majority of his moves behind the scenes. Samuel knew how to fan the flames of the revolution by stirring up the hearts of the people.
Samuel started his “professional” patriotism career through writing hundreds of letters (with false names) against the British rule and distributed them to local newspapers and leaders. He also founded the original Son’s of Liberty; pretty much a gang of patriot rebels who rallied to incite the British soldiers and officials. This very effective model was eventually carried out in all 13 colonies.
Then there was the infamous Boston Tea Party of 1773. The 50 or so dressed up Indians that raided the ships and tossed the tea crates are pretty much unknown however historians give all the credit to the great Samuel Adams when it comes to being the mastermind behind the radical act against British tyranny. How could he not be behind something this genius; it being in his hometown and all!
Samuel organized the first Committee of Correspondence, which allowed the 13 colonies to stay in touch with each other when it came to their plans and dealing with the British (kind of like a Facebook group page 😀 ). He signed the Articles of Confederation shortly after 1776 when it was time to sign the Declaration of Independence. Samuel had his fingerprints all over the cause of freedom for America. He was quoted saying this on the day of the signing of the Declaration of Independence,
“We have this day restored the Sovereign to Whom all men ought to be obedient. He reigns in heaven and from the rising to the setting of the sun, let His kingdom come.” (source)
Samuel was a known Christian and had a lot of Puritan influence growing up. His political career dominated the majority of his life while his family and business careers were left in poor condition. Samuel continued to stay in the political arena, however his window of major influence was small.
Samuel Adams passed away October 2 1803 with his parting words,
“I… recommend my Soul to that Almighty Being who gave it, and my body I commit to the dust, relying upon the merits of Jesus Christ for a pardon of all my sins.” (source)
p.s. The beer, Samuel Adams was named after this man…because of his brief brewing career and because he was a great American.
PART OF MY PATRIOTIC POSTS SERIES