Early Life
Paul Revere was born in Boston’s North End, December 22 1734. Sometimes his birthday is mistakenly stated as January 1st 1735, which was actually the day when he was baptized. His father’s name was Apollos Rivoire and his mother’s Deborah Hichborn. His father was a Huguenot silversmith who had immigrated to America as a refugee from religious persecution in France. Apollos learned his trade as a gold and silversmith from John Coney. Later he anglicized his name as Paul Revere.
Young Paul Revere had 11 siblings. He was the second oldest child and the eldest surviving son. He attended the North Writing School between the ages of 7 and 13 probably because his father planned him to continue the tradition of silversmith trade. Not counting Latin schools, North Boston was known to be one of the two best schools.
The young Revere found a job as a bell ringer in a church called Christ Church, also known as the Old North Church. It was on the tower of this church the famous "One if by Land, Two if by Sea” lantern was placed during the famous Midnight Ride many years later.
As a child Paul showed interest in learning his father's occupation who taught him the secrets of his craft. Talented Paul became a master silversmith.
In 1754 when Paul was nineteen, his father died and he took over the family business. To provide for his large family Paul had to be resourceful, he applied his knowledge to making surgical instruments, engraved printing copper plates, sold spectacles and even replaced missing teeth. He became well known in Boston for his silverware and tea sets.
Two years after his father died PR enlisted to fight the French at Lake George, New York. He served as second lieutenant in the colonial artillery.
After his return on August 1757 he married Sarah Orne with whom he had eight children. Sara died on May 1773. In October he married Rachel Walker and they had another eight children
Revere became politically active during the Stamp Act Crisis in 1765.
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