Paul Revere: Silversmith of the American Revolution

Paul Revere has become one of the best-known figures of the American Revolution, with his famous ride to warn the countryside of the imminent arrival of the British forces. But where did this humble silversmith come from and what propelled him into taking a major part in creating The United States of America?

Born in 1735 in Boston's North end to Apollos Rivoire and Deborah Hichborn, Paul was the oldest surviving son of a large family. His father changed his name from Rivoire to Revere when he came to the New World. Young Paul began his career much like most young boys at the time, working for his father in the silversmith trade and taking over the family shop at nineteen when his father died. Now the major money-earner in the family he took on adult responsibilities at a very young age and did well.

There are plenty of examples still available of his fine workmanship and creative skills in the manufacturing of silver bowls and pots, among other items. But he was also active in local military affairs, the first of which was during the French and Indian War. Accepting a commission as a second lieutenant he was involved in an unsuccessful campaign in 1756, later returning to his silverworking roots.

Revere still remained active locally, joining two political groups a few years later that would become quite well-known: The Sons of Liberty and the North End Caucus. Using his skills to help inform the public of the dire political situation the colonists found themselves in, Revere not only helped create what would be considered propaganda pictures today but also as a courier - a role that he would be forever known for.

But Paul was also busy on the personal front, having married Sarah Orne in 1757. She lived only until 1773 but produced eight children for Paul, who remarried and had another eight children with his new wife, Rachel Walker.

The famous ride happened on the night of April 18th, 1775 when he rode to Lexington to alert John Hancock and John Adams that the British troops had been deployed and were marching to Concord. One often-neglected fact is that Revere did not actually finish the ride and was captured by a British patrol before he managed to reach Concord, but he did manage to get word to Hancock and Adams. But Revere's part in the Revolutionary War extended far beyond that single ride. He re-enlisted in the artillery and served on a variety of fronts until 1780, when his military career ended on a somewhat sour note. Accused of disobeying orders and of incompetence he remained in the military just long enough to see these charges purged from his record and then returned to his shop, finished with the military.

Now firmly established as not only a patriot but as a world-class silversmith Revere set up a sheet-copper mill with the aim of equipping all American ships with copper bottoms to preserve and defend the new navy. As time went on his business prospered, with Revere also taking his place as Grand Master of the Masonic Grand Lodge of Boston.

But time took its toll on this famous American and in 1811 at the grand old age of 76 Paul Revere officially retired from his business, leaving it to his heirs. He had become a widower for the second time in his long life, having lost his second wife Rachel in 1813. Still, he remained in good health and still took interest in local politics.

Paul Revere died May 10, 1818 in Boston at the age of 83, having seen the United States become a prosperous and independent nation, in no small part because of his military and industrial service. While we may remember him primarily for that midnight ride made famous by the Longfellow poem, he was also one of America's first entrepreneurs - helping to build not only his business but also a country.