Samuel Adams Sr.
Samuel Adams Sr. | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1689-05-16 Boston, Massachusetts Bay Colony |
| Died | 1748 |
| Occupation(s) | Brewer, deacon |
| Years active | Early 18th century |
| Known for | Father of Founding Father Samuel Adams; involvement in Massachusetts Land Bank |
Samuel Adams Sr. (1689–1748) was a brewer in colonial America, recognized as the father of the Founding Father Samuel Adams and a first cousin once removed of John Adams.
Biography
Adams Sr. was born in Boston on May 16, 1689, to Captain John Adams and Hannah Webb. He served as a deacon within the Congregational Church and participated in the political activities of the Boston Caucus alongside Elisha Cooke. Historical documents reveal that in 1716 he owned and sold at least one enslaved individual identified as a "Carolina Indian."
In 1740, he played a role in founding a Land Bank in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, aiming to encourage trade by issuing paper currency during a period when gold and silver coins were in limited supply. Nevertheless, this institution was terminated after the British House of Commons enacted legislation in July 1741 that dissolved the bank and held its shareholders accountable for outstanding debts.
Family
Adams Sr. wed Mary Fifield in 1713, and together they had twelve children, with three reaching adulthood, among them Samuel Adams. He passed away in 1748.
Prominent offspring include:
- Aaron Adams (1713–1740)
- Mary Adams (1717–1767), who married James Allen
- Samuel Adams (1722–1803), who became a Founding Father and served as governor of Massachusetts from 1793 to 1797