Joseph Shed/Shedd

(June 17, 1732 – October 18, 1812) 

Joseph Shed began his career as a carpenter in Boston, Massachusetts, and was involved in rebuilding Faneuil Hall in 1763. He later changed careers and became a grocer in Boston.            

Shed had a long and close relationship with Samuel Adams, a leader of the Sons of Liberty, who was a frequent visitor to his home. Sarah Gammell, daughter of tea party participant John Gammell, named Shed as a participant in the Boston Tea Party alongside her father. Due to Shed’s success as a grocer, he was appointed by the Board of Selectmen to several committees overseeing various food supplies in 1779 to aid in the war effort. In 1792, Shed ran for Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts but received only two votes. His friend, Samuel Adams, won with a total of 689 votes. 

Joseph Shed died in Boston, MA, on October 18, 1812, and is buried in Boston’s Granary Burying Ground.