Samuel Phillips Savage, a Weston Patriot

Samuel Phillips Savage,  A Weston Patriot

As we celebrate the end of our 300 years of Weston’s history it is worth remembering that this week is also the 240 anniversary of the Boston Tea Party. This historic event occurred on December 16, 1773 in Boston Harbor and is considered famous as the final act of defiance that led directly to the American Revolution.

Perhaps less well known is that a citizen of Weston, Samuel Phillips Savage, played a key role in organizing the Tea Party when he was chosen as moderator of the meetings held at the Old South Meeting House when the decision was made to take action that became the “Tea Party”.

Mr. Savage was born in 1715 and was a successful merchant and prominent public figure in Boston. He was also a close personal friend of Samuel Adams. At one time he served as constable as well as selectman in Boston. His ancestors included the founders of both Phillips Andover Academy and Phillips Exeter Academy.  The famous American artist, John Singleton Copley, painted portraits of both Mr. Savage and his wife.

Mr. Savage bought a farm in Weston in 1765 at 479 North Avenue that later included a grist mill. Prior to the revolution he was a justice of the peace and a judge in Middlesex. During the Revolutionary War he was appointed president of the Massachusetts Board of War that was responsible for providing supplies to the soldiers fighting in the revolution for Massachusetts. Much of this material passed through Weston on its way to Boston and provided successful business opportunities to many local residents.

After the War Mr. Savage continued to live in Weston and again became a judge. He died in Weston on December 9, 1797 and is buried in the Farmers Burial Ground.

Jack Deary, 352 South Avenue

For more on the Tea Party, see

http://www.bostonteapartyship.com/the-final-straw