Benjamin Edes

Historians continue to debate whether printers consciously aligned themselves with the ideology embodied in political treatises they promoted and sold, though it is certain they sought ways to generate revenues.

Benjamin Edes and John Gill co-published the Boston Gazette which played an instrumental role in sparking and funding the Boston Tea Party and throughout the Revolutionary War. Benjamin wrote extensively against British policy, joined Sons of Liberty, and contributed significantly towards their victory.

Early Life and Education

He was the son of Peter and Esther (Hall) Edes and was born in Charlestown, Massachusetts.

He worked diligently to become an accomplished printer and scholar. He dedicated his days and nights to antiquarian, historical, and genealogical research and editing his findings for publication.

During the Revolutionary War, he advocated for American independence by publishing anti-British propaganda in his newspaper and helping organize and finance the Boston Tea Party. Additionally, he engaged in fighting against British policy by writing attacks against Stamp Act, Tea Act and Townshend Acts.

He played an invaluable role in the American Revolution. Additionally, he published multiple books and was an active member of the Unitarian Church. His vibrant personality made any gathering enjoyable and exciting.

Professional Career

Ben set a high standard in print work. His heavily footnoted pages and exquisite bindings set an example for other printers to follow, and he also printed medical texts and “The Rural Socrates,” an account of progressive agricultural practices.

In 1755, John Gill and Thomas Hutchins became proprietors of the Boston Gazette and turned it into an outspoken advocate of American independence from British rule, publishing Samuel Adams’ works among others as well as engaging in fierce written battles against British policies such as Stamp Acts, Tea Taxes and Townshend Acts.

Edes’ Boston Gazette served as a vital source of intelligence regarding the war against Britain. After moving his publication from Boston to Watertown after its Siege, Edes continued publication until 1798 – also founding one of the Sons of Liberty.

Achievement and Honors

Benjamin Edes was the editor and publisher of a newspaper that helped fuel and organize the Boston Tea Party, and played an invaluable role in American Revolutionary efforts. In his writings he advocated for independence while criticizing Townshend Acts, Stamp Act and other British oppressive measures; additionally he joined Sons of Liberty a secret society dedicated to freedom within early America.

Edes was an influential printer, publisher and newspaper journalist who had an anti-colonial spirit. Together with John Gill he published the Boston Gazette which became one of the most read colonial papers during this era.

In 2004, the New England Newspaper Editor’s Association presented Benjamin Edes posthumously with its Yankee Quill Award for Services to Journalism, an incredible honor indeed.

Personal Life

Edes was an influential printer, publisher, and newspaper journalist in America before and during the Revolutionary War. Along with John Gill he co-founded the Boston Gazette which played an instrumental role in sparking and financing the Boston Tea Party as well as serving as an influential publication during this conflict.

He stood up against British policy by writing letters against Townshend Acts, tea taxes and other oppressive measures. Additionally, he founded and served as one of the founders of Loyal Nine – an influential Patriot political organization which later transformed into Sons of Liberty.

During the Siege of Boston, he moved his press to Watertown and continued publishing the Gazette until 1798. Unfortunately he died poor in 1803 and left his punch bowl to be donated to the Massachusetts Historical Society.

Net Worth

He amassed an immense fortune during his lifetime and owned a printing business. Additionally, he was known for writing articles against British taxes and Townshend Acts as well as engaging in political activism against them.

David Hay was an active member of the Sons of Liberty and collaborated closely with Samuel Adams in publishing many revolutionary articles and letters, particularly his vigorous denunciations of Townshend Tax and other oppressive acts committed by British rulers such as made him an unlikely target for authorities.

He died on December 11th 1803 and was interred at Copp’s Hill Burying Ground in Boston.