He married his landlord's daughter Elizabeth Olive in 1771.

It was here that Paine first became involved in government, primarily in small civic matters. He joined a vestry (Episcopal church organization involved in secular affairs) who were responsible for collecting taxes and distributed tithes to the poor as well as joining excise officers in requesting better working conditions and more pay from Parliament.

It was also here, in 1772, that he published his first pamphlet, The Case of the Officers of Excise.