Jonathan Mayhew was an 18th century Boston minister who is known for his ardent patriotism, intellect, liberal views on politics and Christianity and for being the first person to use the rebel rally cry, "no taxation without representation." He was born on October 8, 1720 on Martha's Vineyard. He came from a family of missionaries and was a direct descendant of the first English settler on Martha's Vineyard. His father was the preacher Experience Mayhew. While little is known about Jonathan's early life, it is assumed that his family, particularly his father, prepared him for an education and career in religion before sending him to school in Boston.
Like the men who later used his phrase to ignite rebellion, Jonathan Mayhew attended Harvard College, from which he graduated in 1744. He earned a doctor of divinity degree and became a preacher at the Old West Church in 1747. The church was considered a liberal church. However, Jonathan Mayhew may have been a little too liberal even for their liking. None of them men who vouched for his ability to be a minister were from Boston. In fact, several of church notables in the area appear to have disagreed with his appointment. Nonetheless, he was appointed minister and began giving sermons that were very radical for the day.
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