Thomas Cushing
| Thomas Cushing | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Acting Governor of Massachusetts | |
|
In office February 17, 1785 – May 27, 1785 |
|
| Lieutenant | Himself |
| Preceded by | John Hancock |
| Succeeded by | James Bowdoin |
| 1st Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts | |
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In office November 4, 1780 – February 28, 1788 |
|
| Governor |
John Hancock (1780-1785) Himself (1785) James Bowdoin (1785-1788) |
| Preceded by | Thomas Oliver (as Lieutenant Governor of the Province of Massachusetts Bay) |
| Succeeded by | Benjamin Lincoln |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
March 24, 1725 Boston, Province of Massachusetts Bay |
| Died | February 28, 1788 (aged 62) Boston, Massachusetts |
| Signature |  |
Thomas Cushing III (March 24, 1725 – February 28, 1788) was an American lawyer, merchant, and statesman from Boston, Massachusetts. Active in Boston politics, he represented the city in the provincial assembly from 1761 to its dissolution in 1774, serving as the lower house's speaker for most of those years. Because of his role as speaker, his signature was affixed to many documents protesting British policies, leading officials in London to consider him a dangerous radical. He 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.
Cushing represented Massachusetts in the First and Second Continental Congresses, but was voted out when he opposed independence. Despite this, he remained politically active after independence, continuing to serve in the state government. During the war he was a commissary responsible for provisioning the military, a position he used to enrich the family merchant business. He was elected the state's first Lieutenant Governor in 1780. Politically associated with fellow merchant and governor John Hancock, he remained lieutenant governor until his death in 1788, briefly serving as Acting Governor in 1785 between the resignation of Hancock and the election of James Bowdoin.
Thomas was born in Boston, the capital of the British Province of Massachusetts Bay, on March 24, 1725, the second of at least seven children. The Cushing family, with deep roots in the province, descends from Deacon Matthew Cushing who emigrated from Norfolk, England, to Hingham in 1638. Thomas' father, also named Thomas (1694-1746), was one of the city's wealthiest merchants, a leading member of the Old South Church, and a city selectman. Thomas Sr. was a frequent moderator of town meetings, and accepted on behalf of the city of Boston the gift of Faneuil Hall (a large market building and public meeting space) from Peter Faneuil in 1742. He served in the General Court (colonial assembly) of Massachusetts from 1731 to 1747, and as its speaker after 1742. His mother, Mary (Bromfield) Cushing (1689–1746) was also from a prominent Boston family.
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