Shays, Daniel

(1747-1825), served as an ensign at the battle of Bunker Hill and attained the rank of captain during the Revolutionary War. In 1786 he was the chief leader of the insurrection known as “Shays’ Rebellion.” After the rebellion he lived fora year in Vermont. He received pardon from Governor Bowdoin of Ma achusetts and settled in New York in 1788. Shays’ Rebellion. After the close of the Revolution, much discontent and indeed actual want prevailed through New England, especially in Western Ma achusetts. The annual State tax amounted to $1,000,000. Riots and armed mobs were frequent, the especial grievances being the high salary of the Governor, the refusal to i ue paper money, and the specific taxes to pay the interest on the State debt. December 5, 1786, 1,000 armed men under Daniel Shays took po e ion of Worcester and prevented the se ion of the Supreme Court. Springfield was mobbed by the same men. General Lincoln, commanding 4,000 militia, attacked Shays near Springfield, January 25, 1787, quickly routing his force. They fled to Amherst, where 150 were captured. The insurgents were pardoned on laying down their arms. 217