Genealogy and History Fan

As  tax day, April 15^th draws near taxes are on many people’s minds. Did you know that the average person works 2 ½ hours everyday just to pay that day’s share of taxes? Taxes have no doubt been a “sore point” for ages.

The theme “no taxation without representation”, had been heard in Boston as early as 1753. But it took 23 more frustrating years for things to begin to change. Was the high tax on the Colonist’s beloved tea “the straw that broke the camel’s back”? Actually, the tax was on all British imports, but the main point was that the colonies had no representatives in Parliament. Something had to be done, so a relatively small group of men took action and dumped a huge shipment of tea.

There are some events that took place during the historic time when America was declaring its independence from England that are so historic, so iconic that they have taken on the status of myth and legend as much as history. And certainly the Boston Tea Party fits that description. .

But the events of December 16, 1776 were not fable or myth but real and important parts of the development of the American Revolution that was crucial to the early foundation of this country. The situation of taxation that was being imposed by England on goods that were coming into the colonies was one of serious stress on the colonists because they had no control over those taxes.

Finally, it was time for the colonists to make a statement that this unethical and immoral use of taxes on tea was for all intents and purposes an act of war and they were going to treat it as such. Badly disguised as Indians, the brave colonists boarded the HMS Dartmouth and her sister ships, the HMS Beaver and the HMS Eleanor and skillfully and efficiently dumped the entire delivery of tea into Boston harbor. All totaled, over forty five tons of tea went into the water that night.

This event was pivotal in pushing the hostilities between England and the colonies past the “nuisance” stage and setting forces in motion for war. But more than that, it was such a bold statement of defiance that many colonists were inspired to join the increasing chorus calling for war and independence.

For loyal Britains, the idea of separating and forming their own country was hard to grasp. But the leadership of the men who planned and executed the Boston Tea Party demonstrated a new independent spirit. This was the kind of backbone, the sense of pride and independence that was to come to define the American spirit in years ahead. But it took the courage and boldness of this little band of men to demonstrate that being trod on by a foreign tyrant was not something we had to put up with.

It made a statement to England and showed the colonists that revolution was possible and they really could think of themselves as free people who would bow to no king. From that time forward the independence of America was inevitable. These visionary leaders showed us an America that gave power to its people, not to kings or governments. The result in how America works and how our lives are lived is the direct outcome of bold protests such as the Boston Tea Party.

My 5^th great grandfather, Peter Miller, according to family stories was one of the 300 members of the Boston Tea Party. He was a coppersmith in Boston before joining the fight for independence.

How grateful I am for men (and women) who have stood up and made a positive difference for all of us. May we remember and honor their lives and accomplishments.

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