Thomas White (patriot) facts for kids
Thomas White (born March 19, 1739 – died September 13, 1820) was an important figure in early American history. He was an Irish American Patriot, which means he strongly supported the American colonies becoming independent from Great Britain. Thomas White was part of the famous Boston Tea Party, a member of a group called the Sons of Liberty, and fought in the American Revolution under General George Washington.
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Thomas White's Early Life
Thomas White was born in Kilkenny, Ireland, in 1739. When he was about 32 years old, around 1771, he moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in America. He worked as a tailor, making clothes. He married Elizabeth Jones. Soon after, they moved to Boston. In Boston, Thomas White joined a special group called a Masonic order. He also took part in many protests against the British government.
The Boston Tea Party: A Famous Protest
On December 16, 1773, a famous event called the Boston Tea Party happened. Thomas White was one of the people involved. During this protest, people dressed up and boarded British ships. They threw many boxes of tea into the Boston Harbor. This was to show they were against the Tea Act. The Tea Act was a law that made colonists pay taxes on tea.
Fighting in the American Revolution
After the Boston Tea Party, Thomas White went back to Pennsylvania. He joined the Continental Army and became a soldier. The Continental Army was the main army that fought for American independence. Thomas White served in the 2nd Pennsylvania Regiment during the American Revolution. This war helped the American colonies become the United States of America.
Later Years and Family Life
After the war, Thomas White and his family moved west. They settled in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. He built a farm there and raised his children. Thomas White had a very large family with 21 children! Three of his sons later fought in the War of 1812. One of his sons, Ezekiel White, was captured during the Battle of Lundy's Lane. Sadly, Ezekiel died from an illness called dysentery while in a prison camp. In 1787, Thomas White was chosen to be a member of the American Philosophical Society. This was a group of important thinkers and scientists.
A Monument to Remember Thomas White
On July 4, 1899, people who wanted to honor American heroes held a special event. They unveiled a monument for Thomas White. This monument is located at the Evans Cemetery in Bedford County. It helps people remember his contributions to American history.
