Paine, Thomas. A political writer. Born in England, 1737. In 1774 came to the United States, became editor of the "Pennsylvania Magazine." Issued his pamphlet, "Common Sense," in which he advocated the independence of the colonies. He went to Paris in 1787, and in 1791-92 published in England his "Rights of Man." In 1792, Paine was elected a member of the French National Assembly, acting with the Girondists, and narrowly escaped the guillotine. While he was in France, appeared his work, "The Age of Reason." Returned to the United States in 1802. Paine died in New York, 1809.

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