Dictionary.net

Generally styled Tom Paine (1737-1809), a native of England, passed his early years there as an exciseman, political writer, and ardent republican. He came to America in 1774 and edited the Pennsylvania Magazine. In 1776 he published a pamphlet, " Common Sense," advocating independence, which was widely circulated and created a profound impression. At intervals through the war he published the " Crisis," and was secretary to the Congressional Committee on Foreign Affairs. His services in the Revolution were of undoubted value. Subsequently he was clerk to the Pennsylvania Legislature. He was in France at the opening of the French Revolution, and in England where he published in 1791 his " Rights of Man," and was outlawed in consequence. Escaping to France he was elected to the Convention, was imprisoned by the Jacobins, and wrote bis " Age of Reason." He returned to the United States, and died in New York. Life by Conway.