Samuel Nowell Boston Tea Party Participant

(December 18, 1749 – April 18, 1833)

Samuel Nowell was a ship carpenter and builder from Newbury, Massachusetts, in December 1773.

By his own account, Nowell participated in the “destruction of the tea” at Griffin’s Wharf on December 16, 1773, and noted he was unaware of any other living participant in 1830. Although some participants were still alive at that time, it showed the extent of the secrecy they maintained.

Nowell served in several military companies throughout the Revolutionary War until he was captured by the British navy on board the brig Independence in 1777. While being held, Nowell was severely punished for attempting to lead an escape from British custody in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

After the War, Nowell would shift to a more civic-minded career. He eventually moved to Wolfeboro, Massachusetts, where he founded a local library and served on the school committee. He then served as a town Selectman in 1808 and again in 1822.

Samuel Nowell died in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, on April 18, 1833, and is buried in Lakeview Cemetery.

Spouses
Sarah (Sally) Hanners (1756 – July 7, 1826)

Children

Samuel Nowell (April 9, 1775 – May 7, 1827)
Sarah Nowell (1777 – Young)
Unnamed Nowell (unknown – August 1778)
Foster Nowell (February 1779 – December 8, 1842)
Michael Nowell (July 1784 – August 1802)
Charles Nowell (November 1786 – Unknown)
Sarah Nowell (November/December 1790 – Unknown)
Richard Nowell (September 1796 – Unknown)

Samuel Nowell (April 9, 1775 – May 7, 1827)
Unnamed Nowell (unknown – August 1778)
Michael Nowell (July 1784 – August 1802)
Sarah Nowell (November/December 1790 – Unknown)

Sarah Nowell (1777 – Young)
Foster Nowell (February 1779 – December 8, 1842)
Charles Nowell (November 1786 – Unknown)
Richard Nowell (September 1796 – Unknown)

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