Today in Johnson City History, Thursday, January 29, 2026

Thomas Paine's birthday, the National Soldiers Home, the Kiwanis Club and much more

Friday, January 29, 1717: On this date, Thomas Paine was born. He was an “American Revolutionary leader, a corset maker by trade, author of Common Sense, The Age of Reason and many other influential works, was born at Thetford, Englnad. ‘These are the times that try men’s souls’ are the well-known opening words of his inspirations tract The Crisis. Paine died at New York, New York on June 8, 1809, but 10 years later his remains were moved to England by William Cobbell for reburial there. Reburial was refused, however, and the location of Paine’s bones, said to have been distributed, is unknown.” (Source: Chase’s 2026 Calendar of Events)