American Political Society (Worcester, Mass.)

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The American Political Society was established in 1773 in Worcester, Mass., by Col. Timothy Bigelow (1739-1790) as an extension of the Committee of Correspondence. It was a secret society of 71 Worcester Whigs who organized for the purpose of debating "upon ... our rights and liberties" and determining "methods to be pursued" in securing them. The Society held monthly meetings at a public house, usually the inn of Asa Ward (1748-1818), and eventually assumed control of town meetings and instructed the moderator and the representative to the General Court. The organization became a potent means of defeating the influence of Worcester Loyalists. The Society apparently disbanded due to internal frictions and the more immediate demands of revolutionary resistance.

From the description of Records, 1773-1776. (American Antiquarian Society). WorldCat record id: 191259105

Archival Resources
Role Title Holding Repository
creatorOf American Political Society (Worcester, Mass.). Records, 1773-1776. Gadsden Public Library
Role Title Holding Repository
Relation Name
associatedWith Bigelow, Timothy, 1739-1790. person
associatedWith Estus, Charles W. person
associatedWith Oliver, Peter, 1713-1791. person
associatedWith Ward, Asa, 1748-1818. person
associatedWith Whig Party (Mass.) corporateBody
associatedWith Worcester (Mass.). Committee of Correspondence. corporateBody
Place Name Admin Code Country
Massachusetts
Worcester (Mass.)
United States
Subject
American loyalists
Boston Port Bill, 1774
Secret societies
Occupation
Activity

Corporate Body

Active 1773

Active 1776

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