Henry Tucker of The Grove facts for kids
Colonel Henry Tucker (1713–1787) was a very important person in Bermuda. He was often called Henry Tucker of The Grove because of his family estate in Southampton Parish. Colonel Tucker was a successful merchant, a politician, and a leader in the local army, called the Militia. He is famous for working with Benjamin Franklin to secretly take one hundred barrels of gunpowder. This happened on August 14, 1775, from a storage building in St. George's. The gunpowder was sent to help the rebel army during the American War of Independence.
A Family of Leaders
The Tucker family had been important in Bermuda for a long time. Captain Daniel Tucker became the Governor of the English colony in 1616. Colonel Henry Tucker himself held many important jobs. Before the American War of Independence, he was a member of Bermuda's Governing Council. He was also an officer in the Militia.
Bermuda's Challenges During the War
Colonel Tucker and other wealthy merchants led Bermuda's government. During the American War of Independence, their main goal was to protect Bermuda. They worried about the island's economy and making sure people had enough food. This was a big concern because Britain had stopped trade with the American colonies. These colonies were Bermuda's main trading partners.
After the war ended, this group of leaders stayed in charge of Bermuda. They faced no punishment for their actions during the war. It was at this time that Henry Tucker was promoted to Colonel. This meant he was in charge of all of Bermuda's Militia companies.
Henry Tucker's Sons
Colonel Henry Tucker had several important sons. His son, Henry Tucker (1742–1800), became the President of Bermuda's Council. He held this position during and after the war. Two other sons also played roles in the American colonies. St. George Tucker (1752–1827) and Thomas Tudor Tucker (1745–1828) served in the rebel armies. They also worked in the new American government after the war.
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