Thomas Dawes

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Thomas Dawes (August 5, 1731 – January 2, 1809) was a Patriot who served as a Massachusetts militia colonel during the American Revolution and afterward assumed prominent positions in Massachusetts's government. His positions included state councillor, member of the Academy of Arts and Sciences, and representative in both the House and Senate. He was a cousin of William Dawes.

Dawes was born in Boston. Prior to the Revolution, he attended a regular school and worked as a mechanic. He ardently supported the Whigs, gaining infamy among Royalists; his house was raided by Redcoat invaders during the war. Later, he became active in politics, lived in a roomy house on Purchase Street beside John Adams, and worked as an architect and builder designing many notable buildings in Boston, including the Old Street House and the Brattle Street Church. He attended Old South Church in Deacon from 1786 until his death in 1809, and was a good friend of John Hancock.

Dawes married Hannah Blake on July 1, 1752. Their son Thomas (July 8, 1757 - July 21, 1825) was a jurist and an alumnus of Harvard University, graduating in 1777, and served in the Supreme Court from 1792 to 1802; he married Margaret Greenleaf.