2. Paul Revere’s America AppollosRivoire sailed to Boston on November 15, 1715. (French Huguenot) Entered the shop of a gifted Yankee artisan , and showed rare talent in his craft. 1722, his Master died and he bought his freedom for forty pounds, and set himself up as a goldsmith in Boston. He changed his name to Paul Revere because it was not easy for the Yanks to pronounce. Married Deborah Hitchborn. Paul Revere (son) baptized Dec. 22, 1734.
3. Young Paul Revere AS a child Paul Revere entered into Boston Habits. At a young age he helped found a bell ringer’s association. Helped draw up documents that helped establish the secret society. Document summarizes many of the founding principles of New England: The sacred covenant of the rule of law, self-government, majority vote, fundamental rights and free association, private responsibility and public duty, gospel of service and ethic of work, and the idea of community.
4. Artisan and Gentleman Paul Revere taught that every Christian had two callings- a special calling to work in one’s vocation, and a general calling to do Christ’s work in the world. Paul Revere apprenticed as a goldsmith, but worked more often with silver, later in copper then in brass. Major employment as a silversmith. Paul Revere married twice, Sarah Orne (* children), after she passed Rachel Walker (8 children) Of his 16 children 5 were buried as infants and 5 more in young adulthood. Mostly of fevers. Rachel Walker-Revere
5. The Whig Movement Paul Revere wore many hats: served on the committee when Boston obtained their first streetlights, Health officer of Boston, Coroner of Suffolk County, First President of the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association.. 1755 he joined the Malitia Became an active Mason. Joined political organizations, and was invited to join Secret Societies such as the Long Room Club which persisted of Boston’s leading Whigs.
6. Sons of Liberty “Sons of Liberty” established, after British parliament tried to levy taxes on otherwise poor Boston. Took a leading part in Boston’s campaign against The Stamp Act. Taxes to be enforced by customs officials. Sept 30, 1768 British fleet anchored in Boston Harbor. The coming of the “Regulars” increased the violence in Boston. March 5, 1770 soldiers fired back at tormenting townsmen which was considered the Boston Massacre.
7. General Thomas Gage In the late summer of 1774 General Thomas Gage was the most powerful man in North America. In addition to his military duties, the King appointed him Royal Governor of Massachusetts, with orders to reduce restless province to obedience and peace. Thomas Gage and Paul Revere were both taught to cherish English law and liberties, but they understood that common heritage in very different ways. Gage , rule of law meant the absolute supremacy of that many-headed sovereign. Revere, it meant the right of a free born people to be governed by laws of its own making.
8. The Powder Alarms Sept. 1, 1774 went to seize the largest stock of gunpowder in New England. It was stored in a magazine called the Provincial Powder House. In the summer of 1774 towns had quietly withdrawn their supplies, leaving only the provincial reserve. All 250 barrels were carried to the boats and delivered to Boston. Paul Revere the townsmen of Portsmouth of the incoming British who were able to move the munitions and the powder before their arrival.
9. Gage’s Restless Garrison 1775, British infantry became increasingly bored, angry, and hungry. Some soldiers became deserters and were offered land. Others took to drink (New England Rum). Several Regulars sold their muskets for drink. The penalty for one of the King’s Own for selling his musket was 500 lashes on his bare back. This was thought cruel considering the biblical statues of Massachusetts restricted whipping to 39 strokes.
