Andrew Oliver

Andrew Oliver, a longstanding Massachusetts colonial officer, was responsible for enforcing the Stamp Act of 1765, which imposed a tax on all paper in the colony. Although he took the position reluctantly, viewing the act as a “public Misfortune,” Oliver became the target of violent protests that presaged the impending revolution. After destroying his property and threatening his life, an angry mob gathered under the Liberty Tree, the site of patriotic protest. Forced to make a statement, Oliver swore he would take no measures for enforcing an act, “which is so grievous to the People.”