Paul Revere Biography

Paul Revere Biography

Full Name: Mr. Paul Revere
Date of Birth: January 1, 1735
Place of Birth: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Died: May 10, 1818
Place of Death: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Classification: Leaders & Revolutionaries


Born to a French father who had immigrated to America at the age of 13 to work as a silversmith, Paul Revere learned his trade at an early age. His father, then named De Revoire, changed his name to Revere so that others would think he was Anglican. Young Paul, who had eleven other siblings, eventually had eight of his own children when he married Sarah Orne at the age of 22.

Some seven years later, Paul Revere began experimenting with copper and the art of engraving. He was eventually commissioned to engrave seals for wealthy buyers and political families. With his business flourishing, he began using his metalworking abilities to make dental prostheses, which also garnished him lucrative profits.

Revere had always been interested in helping fight for American Independence and despised British control. He became a member of the Massachusetts Committee of Safety and attempted to tell surrounding battalions, store owners, and towns of possible British onslaughts. He also set up signals that townspeople should look for should an attack become imminent. One of these was to hang two lanterns in a church bell tower for all to see, giving militia men, dubbed Minute Men, substantial time to take preventative measures against the British.

On April 18, 1775, the Committee of Safety found out the British were going to march on Concord. He hurriedly obtained a horse and rode hard for Lexington, where he awoke John Hancock and Samuel Adams from their sleep. Captured on his return by the British, the troops were forced to let him go as he threatened that they were surrounded by troops ready for battle. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow dedicated his famed poem, “Paul Revere’s Ride” to the patriot who helped foil British plans for a surprise attack.