Adams, Samuel (Sam; the American Cato)

1722 - Born in Boston; birth of the major leader in the American Revolution

1730s-1740s - Attended Harvard

           - Became active in colonial politics and enjoyed a popular following through his activities in the Boston political clubs including the the Caucus Club

           - Effective as spokesman for the popular party opposed to the entrenched circle around the royal governor

1756-1764 - Tax collector of Boston

1765 - Organized the protest against the STAMP ACT

          - Founded the SONS OF LIBERTY

1765-1775 - The most influential member of the lower house of the Massachusetts legislature

         - Drafted most of the major protest documents, including the Circular Letter (1768) against the

TOWNSHEND ACTS

1770 - Led agitation to demand removal of quartered British troops after Boston Massacre

1772 - Main founder of Boston Committee of Correspondence

          - Wrote frequently for the press in defense of colonial rights

1773 - He was a principal organizer of the Boston Tea Party

1774-1782 - Massachusetts delegate to Continental Congress

1794-1797 - Lieutenant governor of Massachusetts

1793-1797 Governor of Massachusetts

         - A more conservative figure in later years, he condemned the farmers’ actions during SHAYS”S REBELLION and endorsed ratification of the federal Constitution

1803 - Died on October 2