As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, we’re looking back at the revolutionaries who made it all possible. Many of these patriots weren't just fighting for independence but for a better future for their children. This Father's Day, we're highlighting four revolutionary dads whose contributions have stood the test of time.
John Adams (1735–1826)
As one of America’s Founding Fathers, John Adams played a vital role in the nation’s history. He began his career as a lawyer in Boston, and would later help draft the historic Declaration of Independence. Towards the end of the war, he was sent to negotiate peace terms with the British and would eventually become the second U.S. President. With the support of his wife Abigail, he raised a family that included a son who would become the sixth president of the United States.
Han Yerry (Tewahangarahken) (c. 1724–1794)
Born to a Mohawk mother and a German father, Han Yerry (also known by his Native name Tewahangarahken) rose to become a chief warrior of the Oneida Nation. When the Revolutionary War broke out, he rallied Oneida warriors to support the patriot cause, fighting side-by-side with his wife and son. He later traveled to Valley Forge, where he dined personally with George Washington. Yerry’s military contributions were officially recognized in 1779 when he was commissioned as a captain by Congress, and he remained a dedicated leader for his people long after the war ended.
James Forten (1766–1842)
Born a free Black man in Philadelphia, James Forten bravely volunteered to serve on an American privateer ship at just fourteen years old. After surviving a British prison ship and refusing to betray his country, he returned home to become a successful sailmaker and businessman. As his wealth grew, so did his influence, and he used his position to speak out against slavery. A devoted father, Forten encouraged his children to continue his fight for equality.
To learn more about his incredible story, check out our podcast Anytime Now, Episode 72 | The Patriot: James Forten.
Henry Knox (1750–1806)
Henry Knox began as a bookseller, but his career took an unexpected turn during the Revolution. A self-taught military strategist, he served as the chief artillery officer of George Washington's Continental Army. He famously orchestrated the winter transport of cannons from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston—a bold plan that forced the British to evacuate the city. He was the affectionate father of thirteen children, though only three survived into adulthood. After the war, he served as the nation's first Secretary of War.