Background
Thomas, Isaiah was born on January 30, 1750 in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. Son of Moses and Fidelity (Grant) Thomas.
Thomas, Isaiah was born on January 30, 1750 in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. Son of Moses and Fidelity (Grant) Thomas.
Master of Arts (honorary), Dartmouth, 1814. Honorary Doctor of Laws, Allegheny College, 1818.
At least 2 children, Mary Anne, Isaiah. Learned printing trade at early age. Printer Halifax (Nova Scoti, Canada) Gazette, 1766.
Employed with South Carolina. and American General Gazette, Charleston.
Returned to Boston, founded (with Zechariah Fowle) Massachusetts Spy, 1770, became sole owner. Driven from Boston by British occupation, 1775, published Massachusetts Spy in various towns in Massachusetts during Revolutionary War (moved from town to town according to fortunes of war).
Became leading publisher in American after Revolution. Published textbooks, almanacs, dictionaries, also magazines including Royal American Magazine, 1774-1775, Massachusetts Magazine, 1789-1796.
Founder, incorporator American Antiquarian Society, 1812, became 1st president
Postmaster Town of Worcester (Massachusetts), 1775-1801. Noted for philanthropies. Author: The History of Printing in America, 2 volumes, 1810.
Married Mary Dill, December 25, 1769. Married second, Mary Fowle Thomas, May 26, 1779.
