James Lovell (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Lovell
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| Born | 1737-10-31 |
| Died | 1814-07-14 (aged 76) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | educator, statesman |
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James Lovell (born October 31, 1737 – died July 14, 1814) was an important American leader. He was an educator and a statesman from Boston, Massachusetts. He helped create the United States. From 1777 to 1782, he represented Massachusetts in the Continental Congress. He also signed the Articles of Confederation, which was like an early constitution for the new country.
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Growing Up in Boston
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James Lovell was born in Boston. He went to the Boston Latin School for his early education. His father, John Lovell, was the headmaster of this school for many years.
James then went to Harvard. He graduated in 1756. After college, he joined his father and taught at the Boston Latin School. He also continued his own studies. In 1759, he earned a Master of Arts degree from Harvard.
The school closed in April 1775. This happened during the Siege of Boston in the American Revolutionary War.
Family Divided by War
The approaching American Revolution caused a split in many families. James Lovell's family was one of them. His father, John, supported the British side. These supporters were called Loyalists or Tories.
However, James supported the American rebels. These rebels were often called Whigs. He became a strong supporter of the growing rebel movement.
James was chosen to give a speech in Boston in 1771. This speech was given after the Boston Massacre. He delivered it at the Old South Church.
Arrest and Exchange
After the Battle of Bunker Hill in June 1775, the British military governor, William Howe, ordered arrests. He wanted to capture people who might cause trouble. James Lovell was arrested during this time. He spent nine months in the Boston Stone Jail.
In March 1776, General Howe and the British troops left Boston. They took many Loyalists with them. James Lovell was also taken as a prisoner. He was sent to Halifax, Nova Scotia. He spent another nine months in jail there.
In November 1776, James Lovell was part of a prisoner exchange. He was traded for a British officer named Colonel Philip Skene. When he returned to Boston in December, he was elected. He became a delegate to the Continental Congress. He served in this important role until 1782.
Serving in Congress
James Lovell worked hard in the Continental Congress. He served for six years during the American Revolution. These years were very important for the new United States.
He was a key member of two important committees. These were the Committee of Foreign Correspondence and the Committee of Secret Correspondence. These groups handled communications with other countries. They also managed secret information.
On July 9, 1778, he signed the Articles of Confederation. By signing, he officially approved them for Massachusetts.
Creating Secret Codes
While working on foreign affairs, Lovell created secret codes. These codes were used for important messages. They helped keep American plans safe from enemies.
However, these codes were sometimes difficult to use. Even important leaders found them tricky. John Adams and Benjamin Franklin mentioned this in their letters. They said Lovell's codes were hard to understand.
Supporting Horatio Gates
During 1776 and 1777, there was a struggle for power in the Continental Army. James Lovell supported General Horatio Gates. Gates wanted to have more command.
Lovell encouraged Gates to report directly to Congress. This meant Gates would go over General Washington's head. This situation became very intense. Gates was given command of the Northern Department in 1777. He replaced General Philip Schuyler.
Lovell also wrote many letters to John Adams and Abigail Adams. His letters to Abigail were friendly and showed his respect for her.
Life After Congress
After his time in Congress, James Lovell went back to teaching. But he also continued to hold various government jobs. From 1784 to 1788, he collected taxes in Massachusetts. In 1778 and 1789, he was a Customs Officer in Boston.
In 1789, he was appointed as a naval officer. He managed the port of Boston and Charlestown. He held this job until he passed away. He died in Windham, Maine on July 14, 1814. At that time, Windham was still part of Massachusetts.
Lovell's Family
James Lovell had a son also named James Lovell (1758–1850). His son served in the Continental Army from 1776 to 1782. After graduating from Harvard in 1776, he joined the army. He was a lieutenant in the 16th Massachusetts regiment. He fought in battles like the Battle of Monmouth and in Rhode Island.
In 1779, he became an adjutant and major. He joined Light Horse Harry Lee's Southern Legion. He fought in the southern campaigns of the war. He was known for fighting bravely and was wounded several times.
James Lovell's grandson was Joseph Lovell. Joseph became the first Surgeon General of the Army. He held this important medical position from 1818 until 1836.
Images for kids
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James Lovell's signature
