Amos Doolittle ~ A Lasting Impression on America

Introduction of person. Sets the stage for your essay, gives BIG IDEA of the person’s importance to history. Includes where and when he was born. Amos Doolittle was a silversmith and an engraver and is often considered the “Paul Revere” of Connecticut. He was born in Cheshire, CT on May 8, 1754. The French & Indian War was just starting in the western frontier, but in the east, the English colonies were prosperous and very devoted to their king.

Early life ~ Doolittle was the second of 13 children, very common at that time. At age 13 (1767) he was apprenticed to Elia Hitchcock, a well- known silversmith in the city of New Haven, CT. Fast learner, becomes a master in 3 years (1770)

May 5, 1770 Boston Massacre happens in Boston. Doolittle is 16. Sees the Paul Revere engraving in CT. Shocked at the news of soldiers shooting colonists in Boston. Also very impressed at Revere’s print and how it stirs strong reaction in the minds of colonists and everyone is talking about it. He dreams of doing etchings like that one day.

Spends next few years teaching himself how to engrave on copper plates. Determined to be like Paul Revere. (Explain the process. Show prop of copper plate)

Tensions continue between colonists and British, especially in Boston. April 19, 1775 Battles of Lexington and Concord. Doolittle shocked by news. Joins the local militia. Benedict Arnold is the local commander. They march to Cambridge, MA to support the colonists in MA. Takes nine days.

Doolittle requests to head west to Concord and Lexington to “SEE” where the battles took place, interview people that were there, and make the first sketches of the events to turn into prints (like Revere did).

Returns to CT. two weeks later. Creates four prints of that historic day. They rouse anger and patriotism and become Doolittle’s greatest contribution to American history. (show four prints as props)

Remains in CT. during revolution. Not a soldier. Supports war with his engraving work. At end of war, Doolittle is chosen to create a portrait of the of President George Washington. It still hangs in Washington D.C. today. Second greatest contribution to American history.

Creates similar images of the next two presidents, Adams and Jefferson. Also creates a book of images of Von Steuben’s battle strategies from Valley Forge.

Personal details ~ married and had two sons. Wife died when children were young. Married again, this time for 28 years. No children. Wife died in 1825. Doolittle died in 1832, at age 78.

Conclusion ~ remind reader of Doolittle’s lasting contributions to revolution and early years of the republic. Include a quote or other lasting words.

Amos Doolittle is recognized for his strong support of the American Revolution and early years of the nation through his cooper etchings that captured American liberty and patriotism. His obituary read, “He was a worthy and highly respected citizen. He was a gentleman of an amiable and obliging disposition – a Christian in all relations of life.”