27 Facts About Thomas Cushing

Thomas Cushing III was an American lawyer, merchant, and statesman from Boston, Massachusetts.

Thomas Cushing engaged in extended communications with Benjamin Franklin who at times lobbied on behalf of the legislature's interests in London, seeking ways to reduce the rising tensions of the American Revolution.

Thomas Cushing was elected the state's first lieutenant governor in 1780.

Thomas Cushing' father, named Thomas Cushing, was one of the city's wealthiest merchants, a leading member of the Old South Church, and a city selectman.

Thomas Cushing served in the General Court of Massachusetts from 1731 to 1747, and as its speaker after 1742.

Thomas Cushing got his early education at the Boston Latin School and then attended Harvard where he graduated in 1744.

Thomas Cushing studied law and was admitted to the bar, after which he entered the family merchant business.

In 1753, Thomas Cushing entered politics, winning election as a Boston selectman.

Thomas Cushing continued in that office until 1763 and was elected to the general court in 1761.

Thomas Cushing became politically associated with Samuel Adams and John Hancock, in part through his attendance at political discussions in Boston's taverns.

Thomas Cushing contributed financially to some of Hancock's political spending, although he preferred to stand in the background and let Hancock receive the credit.

Thomas Cushing was an early opponent of these taxes, couching his opposition in economic terms, a reflection on his livelihood as a merchant.

The assembly first chose James Otis, but Governor Bernard rejected this choice, and Thomas Cushing was named as a compromise candidate.

Thomas Cushing became associated with the radical cause by London political figures in part because, as Massachusetts speaker, his signature was affixed to all of its petitions.

Gage did not pursue such orders for the arrest of leaders, and Thomas Cushing was never detained.

Thomas Cushing continued to oppose independence upon his return to Massachusetts, orchestrating delays in the polling process by which the state formally called for a declaration of independence.

Thomas Cushing was appointed the chief commissary responsible for supplying Massachusetts troops, a post he held for several years.

In 1778 Thomas Cushing was involved in an unsuccessful attempt to create a new constitution for the state.

Thomas Cushing was not involved in the detailed drafting of the state constitution that was adopted in 1780.

Thomas Cushing was a charter member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Thomas Cushing was elected to the Massachusetts Senate the 1780 election.

Thomas Cushing stood for election as lieutenant governor in the 1780 election.

Thomas Cushing then served in the post, most of the time serving under his friend John Hancock, until his death in 1788.

Thomas Cushing became acting governor and served out the last few months of the term.

The 1785 election for governor was highly political and divisive; Thomas Cushing was portrayed by his opponents as little more than a creature of Hancock who would do Hancock's bidding.

The election was again undecided by the electorate; Bowdoin prevailed in the General Court's decision-making, and Thomas Cushing again won the lieutenant governor's office.

In each of these elections Thomas Cushing was re-elected as lieutenant governor.