Born September 25, 1728
Barnstable, Massachusetts
Died October 13, 1814
Plymouth, Massachusetts

Playwright, historian

"I look with rapture at the distant dawn, And view the glories of the opening morn; When justice holds his sceptre o'er the land, and rescues freedom from a tyrant's hand."
Portrait: Mercy Otis Warren. Reproduced by permission of Archive Photos, Inc.

Mercy Otis Warren produced both prose and poetry while running a home and parenting five sons. She wrote plays making fun of Americans who stayed loyal to Great Britain during the American Revolution (1775–83), as well as patriotic poems and a history of the Revolution. This intelligent woman also exchanged letters and engaged in political discussions with such well-known patriots of her day as Samuel Adams, John Adams, and Abigail Adams (see entries).

Mercy Otis Warren was the daughter of James Otis, a farmer, merchant, and politician, and Mary Allyne Otis, a descendent...