Paul Revere was a fairly well-known silversmith and engraver, based in Boston, in Colonial-Revolution era America. Following the Seven Years War of Britain prompting an economic recession, and the implementation of the Stamp Act of 1765, his lack of income prompted him to begin studying dentistry, and eventually befriend, Joseph Warren, a prominent member of a masonic lodge with strong ties to the Sons of Liberty, leading to his involvement in the group as well. From there, he used his engraving and printing capabilities to produce various inflammatory, hypercritical political pieces of artwork, protesting several things but primarily taxation, as well as use his high societal position among local artisans to influence them towards renouncing their political status as Loyalists, in favor of supporting the more militant Rebel/Whig side. Also, obviously, the midnight ride of Paul Revere, though occurring much later in the 1770's, is infamous.
Thomas Jefferson took the phrase “pursuit of happiness” from Locke and incorporated it into his famous statement of a peoples' inalienable right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” in the Declaration of Independence.
