Thomas Melvill (American patriot)

Thomas Melvill (1726-1820) was a Scottish-born American patriot, merchant, and politician prominent in pre-Revolutionary and post-Revolutionary Boston, Massachusetts. He is best known for his participation in the Boston Tea Party on December 16, 1773.

Born in Scotland, Melvill immigrated to Boston in 1748 and quickly established himself as a successful merchant. He was a staunch supporter of American independence and actively opposed British policies, particularly the taxation acts. As a member of the Sons of Liberty, he joined other colonists in the act of defiance against the Tea Act by disguising himself as a Native American and dumping tea into Boston Harbor.

Following the American Revolution, Melvill served in various public offices. He was a fireward and assessor for the town of Boston, and he held the position of Naval Officer for the Port of Boston from 1786 until his death. He was also a member of the Massachusetts state legislature.

Thomas Melvill's unwavering commitment to American liberty and his participation in the Boston Tea Party cemented his place in American history. He is often remembered as a symbol of colonial resistance to British oppression. He was the grandfather of Herman Melville, the famous American novelist, who spelled the family name with an "e" at the end. His life and legacy continue to be studied and celebrated as part of the broader narrative of the American Revolution.