Friday, September 13, 2013

Boston Tea Party and Sons of Liberty

I was just watching the latest version of Mysteries at the Museum with a special segment on the Boston Tea Party, and it is quite possible our Mann ancestors were involved in that historical event. Ensign Mann II* (Jr.), who graduated from Harvard, was a known Patriot and leader of the Sons of Liberty in Petersham. It is believed the Sons of Liberty, along with Samuel Adams, were responsible for the event. Ensign II would have been 33 at the time. Ensign is listed in a book of Registered Members of the American Revolution.

*In some entries, this Ensign is referred to as "Jr." However, his son Ensign is also known as Jr., so I named this Ensign, born in 1740, "II." There were 3 in a row, so it can be quite confusing.

Sons of Liberty
Ensign stepped down from his position as Chapter President of Sons of Liberty (Petersham) in order to marry a Tory's daughter. This was just a few months before the Boston Tea Party.

Harvard
Ensign graduated from Harvard in 1764, the year Harvard Hall burnt down. He lost items in the fire and was compensated.


Read at length about Ensign and his political dealings here. Book is "An address delivered in petersham massachusetts." Page 36-41