Samuel Vernon

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.

Family/Spouse: Unknown. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. William Sidney Vernon was born on 25 Dec 1779 in Newport, Newport County, RI; died on 12 May 1873 in Louisa County, VA.