The Sons of Liberty

The Sons of Liberty

Created in the early 13 colonies when American was still controlled by the British, the Sons of Liberty were a protests group against the stamp act of 1765.

Samuel Addams

September 27 1772- October 2 1803

We all know the famous John Addams but less of us known about his less popular cousin, Samuel Addams. Samuel Addams was a Massachusetts statesman, a founding father and one of the main pushers for Independence. Unlike his cousin, Samuel Addams was an excellent persuader towards mob violence, and therefore it was no tricky deed for him to ban together the Sons of Liberty to throw thousands of pounds of tea into the Boston Harbor. During the 18th century Addams was a huge central figure and a strong leader that help lead the English colonists to rebel and fight for their independence against Britain. 

Benedict Arnold

After the intolerable acts led Benedict Arnold into a financial crisis, he decided to continue to trade in the colonial "black market". He then started his political career by joining the Sons of Liberty and later went on to become a Revolutionary War General. Although his hope for America started out strong he later lost hope for the American cause and changed sides almost halfway through the war.

Benjamin Edes

October 14, 1732- December 11, 1803

Benjamin Edes was known as the financier for the Boston tea Party and he focused on spreading anti British propaganda to enrage the colonists and provoke them to fight back. After rebelling against several British acts he was arrested for counts of sedition but later escaped.

John Hancock

January 23, 1737- October 8, 1793

Famous for his part in the Declaration of Independence, John Hancock was another strong motivator during the Revolution. After his business was greatly affected by the Intolerable Act, John Hancock joined the Sons of Liberty to actively fight against the British and their policies. Rather than taking a violent turn on things, Hancock preferred showing his opinion in his strong and well written speeches that greatly influence Americans to rebel.

Patrick Henry

May 29, 1763- June 6, 1799

Patrick Henry was a proud Virginian Governor who helped Virginia decide to take up arms and fight for their country's Independence. He was most famous for saying, "Give me Liberty or give me death" in a speech he gave in front of the Virginia House of Burgesses. His speech went on to inspire many of the southern states to join the Rebellion.

John Lamb

1735-1800

not following in his father's foot steps, John Lamb went on to be one of the best leaders in the Sons of Liberty. He focused on publishing and writing articles that help spread the world of Revolution and helped band the colonies together. 

Joseph Warren

June 11, 1741- June 17, 1775

The influencer of Paul Revere's famous ride, Joseph Warren requested that Paul revere rode to lexington and warned John Hancock and Samuel Addams of their pending arrest by the British troops. he later became a Revolutionary War General however, sadly fell to his death, which was later painted by John Trumbull.

Paul Revere

December 21, 1734 - May 10th 1818

Most famous for his ride to Lexington to warn John Hancock and Samuel Addams of their arrest, Paul Revere was another active voice in the American Revolution. Like many of the Sons of Liberty, once the Intolerable Acts were passed his business felt the affects later causing him to join in the rebellion. His greatest action in the Revolution was organizing an intelligence and alarm system that helped keep the British army on the radar. 

William Mackay

died in 1800

After having his store greatly affected by the Stamp Act of 1765, William Mackay joined the Sons of Liberty to actively promote the Revolution.

Alexander McDougall

1731-1786

Alexander McDougall was a New England merchant who was greatly affected by the Stamp Act of 1765 which influenced him to join a faction of the Sons of Liberty in New York. He later became a major general in the Revolution.

James Otis Jr.

February 5, 1725 - May 23, 1783

James Otis Jr. was one of the leading roles in the Sons of Liberty most famous for his speech that included the phrase, "taxation without representation is tyranny" which went on to become a very popular anthem for the American people. He later gave many other speeches that opposed the British and brought Americans together to fight for their freedom.

Benjamin Rush

January 4th, 1746 - April 19, 1813

Benjamin Rush was not only a founding father of the United States but also played a huge role in creating the Declaration of Independence. Rush influenced many Americans through his outspoken voice against Britain. He even helped Thomas Paine draft his treatises in favor of the Revolution.

Isaac Sears

1730-1786

Isaac Sears also known as 'King Sears" was best known for the New York mob he organized that promoted anti British action. Like Samuel Addams, Isaac Sears promoted violent anti British action to their support for the Revolution. After joining the Sons of Liberty to continue promoting the fight for Independence, Sears later became the commander in New York City.

James Swan

1754- 1830 

James Swan was a Scottish merchant who moved to Boston in the 1750s. Why in Boston he became very interested in the American Revolution and decided to join the Sons of Liberty. He became publishing articles that promoted opposition to the British crown.

Charles Thomson

November 29, 1729 - August 16, 1824

Known as the "Samuel Addams of Philadelphia" Charles Thomson was a strong leader for the Sons of Liberty in Philadelphia. After the Revolution he was asked to design the Great Seal of the United States.

Thomas Young

1731 - 1777

Thomas Young was a courageous Son of Liberty and was one of the only ones to not wear a disguise during the Boston Tea Party and as a consequence the British nearly beat him to death for his crimes.

Marinus Willett

July 31, 1740 - August 22, 1830

Although he had a very reckless behavior Willian Willett became one of the leaders of the fraction of Sons of Liberty in New York. In 1775, he assembled a group of men and successfully captured and protected a British Store house in Turtle Bay.

Oliver Wolcott

November 20, 1726 - December 1, 1797

Oliver Wolcott was a signatory of the Declaration of Independence as well as the Articles of Confederation. During the Revolutionary War he created a shed that deflected over 40,000 bullets.