William Vernon
b. Newport, RI, January 17,
1719
d. Newport, RI, 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.
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