People Associated with

"Common Sense"

By: Jessica Paternoster

Thomas Paine, the author of "Common Sense", was born in 1737, to a Quaker stanemaker and his family. Tom had a very difficult and confusing life. Many of his jobs failed as did his marriages. He was windowed by his first wife, and divorced by the second. After that he married no more.

In 1774 Thomas met and befriended Ben Franklin. When Ben left for the "new" country Paine followed. When they got there Ben gave Paine letters of recommendation.

Thomas published the first pamphlet "Common Sense" in 1776. It was read with approval by many people and colonial leaders such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.

1776 Tom also published "The Crisis".During the Revolutionary War, George W. read these pamphlets to his troops to inspire them in battle.

In 1777 Thomas became Secretary to the Congressional Commities of Foreign Affairs. While in office he honest and sensible questioning, the French representative Silas Deane was impeached (fired).

Thomas published the "Rights of Man" in 1792. In response to Eddmand Burkes attacks on the Revolutionary War. For that William Pitt's government suppressed his work, and tried him for treason. He was outlawed from France in 1792.

He returned to France a few years later even though he was outlawed. An American minister, James Monroe claimed him an American which saved his life. But he still had to go to jail in America.

Though in 1802 President Jefferson arranged his release in the U.S.

He became poor and ill. Then died in 1809. He was buried on his farm. But 10 years after he was dug up and brought to England. Now no one knows were he is buried.

Sources:

The World Book Encyclopedia vol. 15 1992 Edition

Electric Library Jan. 1 1996 Young Students Learning Library

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