William Sidney Vernon

William married America Fontaine on 16 Jan 1809 in Jefferson County, KY. America (daughter of Aaron Fontaine and Barbara Overton Terrell) was born on 10 Mar 1791 in Louisa County, VA; died on 7 Mar 1844 in Louisville, Jefferson County, KY. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. George Talbot Vernon was born on 16 May 1810.
2. Harriett King Vernon was born on 26 Jun 1812 in Louisville, Jefferson County, KY; died on 27 Aug 1815 in Louisville, Jefferson County, KY.
3. W. Sidney Vernon was born on 4 Aug 1814 in Louisville, Jefferson County, KY; died on 14 Dec 1814 in Louisville, Jefferson County, KY.
4. W. Sidney Vernon was born on 25 Jun 1816 in Louisville, Jefferson County, KY; died in Nov 1816 in Louisville, Jefferson County, KY.
5. Charles F. Vernon was born on 26 May 1818 in Louisville, Jefferson County, KY; died on 16 Mar 1851.
6. Mary Ann Vernon was born on 2 Sep 1819 in Louisville, Jefferson County, KY.
7. Ann Maria Vernon was born on 14 Feb 1822 in Louisville, Jefferson County, KY; died in 1898 in Louisville, Jefferson County, KY.
8. Daniel Smith Vernon was born on 14 Feb 1822 in Louisville, Jefferson County, KY; died on 2 Feb 1891 in Louisville, Jefferson County, KY.
9. Jr. William Sidney Vernon was born on 1 Nov 1823.
10. Harriet King Vernon was born about 13 Jan 1828; died in 1901 in Louisville, Jefferson County, KY.
11. Edward Harwood Vernon was born about 29 Oct 1833.
12. Grace Vernon was born on 12 Oct 1835 in Louisville, Jefferson County, KY; died in Louisville, Jefferson County, KY.
13. David Olyphant Vernon was born on 30 Jun 1832 in Louisville, Jefferson County, KY; died on 30 Jul 1833 in Louisville, Jefferson County, KY.

Notes:

WILLIAM VERNON
Newport, Rhode Island, January 17, 1719
Newport, Rhode Island, December 22, 1806

Prosperous merchant and distinguished citizen of Newport, vast experience in seafaring activities, fortune obtained during the "Golden Age" of Newport commerce. Active in molasses, rum and slave trade.

Well known to British authorities, fearing safety of his family, left Newport for Rehoboth, MA at the Revolution. Sometimes referred to as the first secretary of the Navy. On May 6, 1777, elected president of the Eastern Navy Board at Boston. Orchestrated the building and equipping of vessels of the American Continental Navy.
The position lasted duration of the American Revolution. (Bear in mind that it was not until 1798 that the title "Secretary of the Navy" was first used, when Benjamin Stoddert of Maryland was appointed to that position.)

So committed to his duties that he repeatedly advanced considerable sums of money to meet immediate demands upon the government, for which little or no interest was ever paid.

Later involved with the Board of Admiralty and would return to Newport after the Revolution.

A founder and second president of Redwood Library. Member of Second
Congregational Church, Ezra Stiles [q.v.] the pastor. A founding member
of the Artillery Company in 1741 and instrumental in establishing the
Newport Bank, the third bank of Newport (chartered 1803). A benefactor
of College of New Jersey (now known as Princeton).

Vernon homes stand today. "Elmhyrst" built about 1833/35 at One Mile
Corner, located on the southeast corner away from road - behind gas
station. House that bears his name in which he died - at the northeast
corner of Clarke and Mary Streets. Buried at the Common Burial Ground
nearest Warner Street.