John Fries

Quick Facts: Who was John Fries?

Subject:

John Fries

Known for:

Pennsylvanian auctioneer known for organizing the Fries's Rebellion against federal taxes.

Born:

1750

Died:

1818

Century / Era:

1750s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

John Fries (; c. 1750 – February 1818) was a Pennsylvanian auctioneer. He organized Fries's Rebellion, an early episode of tax resistance in the United States. He was born in Hatfield Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, in about 1750. His father, Simon Fries, was a German immigrant. He trained as a cooper but eventually took a career as an auctioneer.

Career & Major Achievements

He married Margaret Brunner in 1770, and they had ten children. He served in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, commanding a company. He was in action at White Marsh, Camp Hill, and Crooked Billet. His defeat of a British foraging raid made him locally famous. He later also commanded a company in the government's campaign to suppress the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

At the time of the rebellion named for him (1799-1800), Fries was living near Charlestown (present-day Trumbauersville). As an itinerant auctioneer, he became well acquainted with the German-Americans issues in the southeastern part of Pennsylvania. Starting in February 1799, he organized meetings to discuss a collective response to a tax the federal government had levied in response to the Quasi-War. Federal officers who were sent to Pennsylvania to collect its portion of the tax were resisted by a party of opposition which Fries had rallied from among the German speaking populations of Montgomery, Lehigh, Bucks and Berks counties. At Bethlehem, 7 March 1799, the United States marshal was compelled by this party to release 30 prisoners who had been arrested for refusing to obey the law.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1750: Birth of John Fries — Pennsylvanian auctioneer known for organizing the Fries's Rebellion against federal taxes.
2. 1770: 1770 Milestone — He married Margaret Brunner in 1770, and they had ten children.
3. 1794: 1794 Milestone — He later also commanded a company in the government's campaign to suppress the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794.
4. 1799: 1799 Milestone — At the time of the rebellion named for him (1799-1800), Fries was living near Charlestown (present-day Trumbauersville).
5. 1818: Passing & Historical Legacy — John Fries passed away on 1818, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: John Fries

True or False: “John Fries was pardoned by President John Adams because he successfully negotiated a trade deal with the British authorities.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): He was pardoned after a petition signed by thousands of community members and presented to President Adams.

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Frequently Asked Questions about John Fries