By Michael Perna Jr.
Contributing Writer
WORCESTER – As the United States prepares to celebrate two hundred and fifty years as a nation on July 4, 2026, it is only fitting that we might recognize a man who played a key role in the country’s efforts to gain its independence.
This individual would be Isaiah Thomas, who was born in Boston, which was at the time a province of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, on January 19, 1749. At the unbelievably early age of seven years old, he was apprenticed to a Boston printer by the name of Zachariah Fowle. This particular event would set young Isaiah on a lifelong journey, which resulted in his becoming a noted printer and publisher.
Newspaper founding
A number of years later, the two formed a partnership, this being in 1770, and started publishing the Massachusetts Spy. Three months later, Thomas became the sole owner, printing it first on a semi-weekly basis, then weekly. Thomas’ motto for the newspaper was “Open to all parties but influenced by none.”
Thomas soon used the newspaper to promote the Whig cause, which caused the state’s government to oppose it and try to shut down its operations, in which they were not successful.
Because of the government’s efforts to oppose the newspaper, Thomas took his presses and moved them to Worcester on April 16, 1775, three days before the Battle of Lexington. Thomas himself participated in the battle.
All of his other property in Boston was destroyed. He quickly regrouped in Worcester, opening a paper mill, book-bindery, and published and sold books, in addition to continuing to publish The Spy newspaper.
Pioneering reporter and publisher
He reported the first account of the Battles of Lexington and Concord and will forever be known as the person who performed the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence, this being done in Worcester.
Thomas continued his writing and publishing career throughout his life. From 1775 to 1803 he published the New England Almanac, which resembled Benjamin Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanack in its content. This publication was continued by his son Isaiah Jr. until 1819.
In 1788, Thomas opened the Thomas and Andrews bookstore in Boston, then went on to establish branches of his publishing operation in many parts of the country.
In 1791, he published an edition of the Bible in Worcester. In the years following, most of Bibles and schoolbooks used in the United States were published by Thomas.
Massive library donation
In 1812, Isaiah Thomas founded what, at the time, was known as the American Society of Antiquaries, which title was later changed to the American Antiquarian Society, this being located on land in Worcester, along with a building and a sizable sum of money. Along with this, he donated his library of almost 8,000 books, in addition to one of the most extensive collections of newspapers in the country. At the Society’s first meeting, he was elected president, holding that office until the time of his death. In 1816, he was also elected as a member of the American Philosophical Society in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Isaiah Thomas lived until April 4th, 1831, passing away at the age of eighty-two while living in Worcester.
Whatever personal papers and records he had, along with his entire library and collection of early American newspapers were bequeathed to the Antiquarian Society.
Isaiah Thomas, someone we should honor as a true American patriot and founder of our nation, is buried in Worcester’s Rural Cemetery.
RELATED CONTENT:
Robert H. Goddard: The Pioneer of Modern Rocketry
Green Hill Park is the ‘crown jewel’ of Worcester
Worcester’s trolley system was once the largest in the state
