
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Samuel Adams (1722–1803) is among the most famous patriots of the American Revolution. Educated at Harvard College, Adams elected to study politics over the ministry despite his deep convictions as a devout Puritan. After leaving Harvard, Adams briefly worked as a mallster (brewer) before launching the Independent Advertiser newspaper in 1748. Inspired by John Locke’s concept of civil society, the newspaper advocated for individual rights and sovereignty in the hands of the people. True to his principles, Adams fought against the Sugar Act and Stamp Act imposed by Parliament and was a leading voice for independence at the Second Continental Congress. He helped write the constitution for the state of Massachusetts and served as Governor of Massachusetts for four terms, before retiring from politics in 1797.