A biographical study of Barlow Trecothick, 1720-1775.

Abstract

During the critical ten year period before the American Revolution, Barlow Trecothick was an active proponent of American views in Great Britain. He was born in Stepney, England, moved to Massachusetts as a child and was reared in Boston. He joined the business of Charles Apthorp a wealthy Boston merchant after having served an apprenticeship with him in the Caribbean area. Trecothick married Apthorp's oldest daughter Grizzel and moved to London where he quickly became an influential merchant and politician. It was while living in London that Trecothick took an active part in gaining the repeal of the Stamp Act in 1765-66. His organization of the merchant resistance to the Act was instrumental in pressuring Parliament to repeal it. Trecothick was elected an alderman of London in 1764 and was the Sheriff of London in 1766. In 1770 he was elected to the prestigious position of Lord Mayor of London. He was elected to Parliament in 1768 as one of the four members for the city of London. While in Parliament he was a vigorous defender of America during the critical pre-Revolutionary decade. He was one of the few members of Parliament who knew America well and defended its views. The colony of New Hampshire made Trecothick their agent for the period of 1765-75. He was also the acknowledged leader of the London merchants who traded with North America. His leadership of this powerful group was recognized throughout Britain and the American colonies. Trecothick's death in 1775 silenced a faithful and ardent supporter of American rights. His demise at such a crucial time significantly weakened the much needed pro American support in Great Britain.