Thomas Earle (American politician) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Thomas Earle
Born	(1796-04-21)April 21, 1796 Leicester, Massachusetts
Died	July 14, 1849(1849-07-14) (aged 53) Willow Grove, Pennsylvania
Occupation	Journalist, lawyer, politician
Political party	Democratic
Spouse(s)	Mary Hussey ​ (m. 1820)​
Children	5, including George H. Earle, Sr.
Parent(s)	Pliny Earle I (father)
Signature

Thomas Earle (born April 21, 1796 – died July 14, 1849) was an important American journalist, lawyer, and politician. He was known for fighting for what he believed was right, especially for the voting rights of African Americans. His family had a long history in America, tracing back to the early days of Rhode Island. His father was Pliny Earle I. Thomas Earle's son, George H. Earle, Sr., became a lawyer in Philadelphia. His grandson, George H. Earle, Jr., was a famous "financial diplomat." His great-grandson, George Howard Earle III, even became the governor of Pennsylvania!

Thomas Earle's Life Story

Thomas Earle was born in Leicester, Massachusetts, in 1796. His parents were Patience (Buffum) and Pliny Earle I. He went to school at Leicester Academy. In 1817, he moved to Philadelphia. There, he first worked in business for a few years. Later, he decided to study law and became a lawyer.

He also became a very well-known journalist. He worked as an editor for several newspapers, including the Columbian Observer and the Pennsylvania Freeman.

In 1837, Thomas Earle played a big part in starting a special meeting called the Constitutional Convention of Pennsylvania. This meeting was held to update Pennsylvania's state constitution. He was a very important member there. Many people believe he wrote the first version of the new constitution.

However, he lost popularity with the Democratic Party. This happened because he strongly supported giving suffrage (the right to vote) to African Americans. This was a very brave stand to take at that time.

His Role in Politics

In the 1840 United States presidential election, Thomas Earle ran for Vice President of the United States. He was on the Liberty Party ticket with James G. Birney. Even though they received less than seven thousand votes, their ideas were very important. Their group later helped form the Republican Party.

During the 1837-1838 convention to change Pennsylvania's constitution, Earle was a strong supporter of voting rights for Black people. He worked alongside Thaddeus Stevens to make sure Black citizens could vote. Sadly, his efforts were not successful. The new constitution added the word "white," which meant Black people could not vote in Pennsylvania for the first time.

Thomas Earle passed away in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, in 1849. He was 53 years old.

Thomas Earle's Family

Thomas Earle married Mary Hussey in 1820. They had five children together. Their daughter, Caroline Earle White, became a famous American helper of others (a philanthropist). She also worked hard to stop animal testing (anti-vivisection). Caroline helped start the PSPCA in 1867. She also founded the Women's Humane Society of the PSPCA in 1869 and the American Anti-Vivisection Society in 1883.

Notable Family Members

• Pliny Earle I, an inventor (Thomas Earle's father)
  • George H. Earle Sr., a lawyer from Philadelphia (Thomas Earle's son). He married Mrs. Frances ("Fanny") Van Leer, who was part of the Van Leer family and supported the anti-slavery movement.
    • George Howard Earle Jr., a lawyer from Philadelphia and a "financial diplomat." He was known for helping companies that were having money problems. (Thomas Earle's grandson)
    • Florence Van Leer Earle Coates, a poet (Thomas Earle's granddaughter)
      • George Howard Earle III, who became the Governor of Pennsylvania (Thomas Earle's great-grandson)
      • Ralph Earle II, a U.S. Ambassador (Thomas Earle's great-grandson)

Images for kids

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  Thomas Earle's signature