J. L. BELL is a Massachusetts writer who specializes in (among other things) the start of the American Revolution in and around Boston. He is particularly interested in the experiences of children in 1765-75. He has published scholarly papers and popular articles for both children and adults. He was consultant for an episode of History Detectives, and contributed to a display at Minute Man National Historic Park.

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Saturday, February 01, 2020

The Great 1770 Quiz—Win Your Own Atlas of Boston History!

Last fall the University of Chicago Press published The Atlas of Boston History, edited by Nancy Seasholes. It’s an 11" by 14", 224-page visual journey through the history of the Hub. I’m pleased to be one of the contributors.

The University of Chicago Press also generously sent me a free copy of The Atlas of Boston History as a giveaway. I’ve therefore come up with a Boston 1775 contest quiz, the first one in years.

Today and tomorrow, I’ll post a series of questions about the year 1770. Put your answers in comments to those postings. I’ll keep the comments hidden until the end of the day on Sunday, February 9.

Whoever answers the most questions correctly by that time will win the atlas, if she or he wants it. Groups, such as families and school classes, can enter as well. In the case of a tie, I guess I’ll come up with a tiebreaker.

(As a reminder, after a 2012 quiz I noted that “I fancy myself a tricky bastard.” So be cautious about obvious answers.)

I. Lord North became prime minister of Britain in January 1770. On March 5, the date of the Boston Massacre, what motion did he make in Parliament?

II. According to the records of King’s Chapel, which of the following events did NOT occur in that church in early 1770?
  • the funeral of Christopher Seider, killed by Ebenezer Richardson
  • the funeral of Patrick Carr, killed in the Boston Massacre
  • the baptism of Ebenezer Richardson, on trial for killing Christopher Seider
  • the marriage of John Murray, representative to the Massachusetts General Court from Rutland
III. Match the person to the weapon he reportedly carried at the Boston Massacre.

1) catstick
2) cordwood stick
3) firelock and bayonet
4) Highland broadsword

A) Crispus Attucks
B) Benjamin Burdick
C) John Carroll
D) Christopher Monk

IV. Followup: Who used “wouldring sticks” as weapons in March 1770?

V. Which of the following men did the Boston town meeting elect to the Massachusetts house in May 1770?
  • John Adams
  • Samuel Adams
  • James Bowdoin
  • Thomas Cushing
  • John Hancock
  • James Otis, Jr.
  • William Phillips
VI. Followup: In what building did the Massachusetts house meet in 1770?

TOMORROW: More questions!

4 comments:

kmjones234 said...

I. North motioned for the repeal of the Townsend Acts except for the duty on tea.
II. Funeral of Patrick Carr
III. (A)(2); (B)(4); (C)(3); and (D)(1)
IV. Rope makers used mouldrings
V. Samuel Adams
VI. Faneuil Hall

Kathy said...

1. Lord North motioned for a repeal measure of the Townshend taxes, but retained the duty on tea.

2. The events which did NOT occur in King’s Chapel early 1770:
- Christopher Seider’s funeral, which was from Faneuil Hall.
- Ebenezer Richardson’s baptism, because he was being held in jail


3. The person and the weapon:
Benjamin Burdick - carried a highland broad sword
Christopher Monk - catstick
Crispus Attucks - cordwood stick, he may have been seen leaning upon
John Carroll, private - would have the firelock and bayonet

4. Wouldring sticks were used by the rope-makers at Mr. John Gray’s rope-walks

5. The 4 representatives elected were:

James Bowdoin, Thomas Cushing, Samuel Adams, and John Hancock

6. The Massachusetts House met at Faneuil Hall

Justin C said...

1. repeal the Townshend Acts, except on tea
2. the marriage of John Murray
3. A Crispus Attucks: 2 cordwood stick - B Benjamin Burdick: 4 broadsword - C John Carroll: 3 firelock and bayonet - D Christopher Monk: 1 catstick
4. Ropeworkers that brawled with British soldiers on March 2
5. James Bowdoin, Thomas Cushing, Samuel Adams, and John Hancock
6. Harvard college

John said...

I Lord North made a motion in Parliament for the repeal of Townshend’s American Revenue Act of 1767, with the exception of the Duty on Tea.

II According to the records of King’s Chapel, ALL of the events listed occurred in that church in early 1770.

III 1) catstick = D) Christopher Monk
2) cordwood stick = A) Crispus Attucks
3) firelock and bayonet = C) John Carroll
4) Highland broadsword = B) Benjamin Burdick

IV The men of Mr. John Gray’s rope-walks, about 13 or 14 in number, used their wouldring sticks to beat off soldiers of the 29th regiment. The soldiers had come with clubs and challenged them to a fight.

V James Bowdoin
Thomas Cushing
Samuel Adams
John Hancock

VI The Massachusetts house met in Harvard College in Cambridge in 1770, upon the orders of Lt. Gov. Thomas Hutchinson. The moving of the place of meeting to a location outside of Boston was strongly protested by the members of the legislature.