Elizabeth Nichols Dyar facts for kids
Elizabeth Nichols Dyar (1751-June 4, 1818) was an American patriot known for her part in the Boston Tea Party. She helped fight for American freedom from British rule.
Contents
Elizabeth Dyar: A Patriot's Story
Elizabeth Dyar was married to Joseph Dyar, who was a sea captain. Joseph was also a member of a group called the Sons of Liberty. This group wanted to stop the British government from taxing the American colonies unfairly.
Early Life and Family
Elizabeth Nichols Dyar was born in 1751. Her family lived in Malden, Massachusetts. She grew up during a time when American colonists were becoming unhappy with British rule.
The Fight Against Taxes
The British government had many rules and taxes that made colonists angry. One of these was the Tea Act of 1773. This law made tea from the British East India Company cheaper than other tea. But it also meant colonists had to buy tea from Britain, which they saw as another unfair tax.
What Was the Tea Act?
The Tea Act was a law passed by the British Parliament. It gave the British East India Company a special advantage in selling tea in the American colonies. Colonists saw this as a way for Britain to force them to pay taxes they didn't agree with.
Daughters of Liberty
Elizabeth Dyar decided to join her husband in protesting the British government. She became part of a group called the Daughters of Liberty. This group of women helped the cause for American freedom in many ways. They often boycotted British goods and supported American-made products.
The Boston Tea Party
Elizabeth Dyar played an important role in the famous Boston Tea Party. On December 16, 1773, she and two other Daughters of Liberty helped prepare the Sons of Liberty for their protest. They painted the faces and bodies of the men to make them look like Mohawk Indians. This disguise helped hide their identities.
After being disguised, the men went to Boston Harbor. They boarded British ships and threw many chests of tea into the water. This act was a strong protest against the Tea Act and British taxes.
Life After the Protest
After the Boston Tea Party, the British military took control of Boston. Life became dangerous for people like the Dyars who had protested. To stay safe, Elizabeth and her children had to leave Boston. They hid in a butcher's cart to escape to her childhood home in Malden, Massachusetts.
Later Years and Legacy
After her husband Joseph died, Elizabeth moved to Maine. She lived there with her son John, his wife, and their family. Elizabeth Nichols Dyar passed away on June 4, 1818. She is remembered as a brave patriot who helped fight for American independence.
