GaspeeVirtual Archives

Potential Suspects This list is frivolous at best, and represents an attempt to gather names of prominent merchants and ship captains in the 1772 Providence area, and relatives of known Gaspee Raiders. The purpose of this list is to launch further investigations into the lives of these people to see if they were in any way connected to the Burning of the Gaspee in 1772.  These people are potential suspects only and would not presently be connected with this event by any hard evidence. Their inclusion into this list is both arbitrary and whimsical. To add more names to the list (well over 300 names so far!), or to comment on any character, please e-mail me at: webmaster@gaspee.org

Name:	Comments:
Benjamin Aborn	Master of Providence-based privateer, Chance, 1782, Field.
Daniel Aborn	Master of Providence-based privateer, Chance, 1780, Field.
Lowry Aborn	Master of Providence-based privateer, Providence, and others, Field.
Samuel Aborn	Owner of privateer Providence, 1779, Field.  Salvaged the remnants of the Gaspee in 1772.  Was a Deputy (RI Assembly) from Warwick.
James Adams	Master of Providence-based privateer, Congress, 1778, Field.
Nehemiah Adams	Master of Providence-based privateer, St. John, 1779, Field.
Thomas Aldrich	Appointed to the 1775 Providence Committee of Inspection (for War preparedness), Bayles p205.  Aldrich family lived near docks on South Main St.
George Allen	Master of Providence-based privateer, Industrious Bee, 1778, Field. ?Relation to Gaspee raider Paul Allen.
Jonathan Allen	Master of Providence-based privateer, Lively, 1783, Field.  ?Relation to Gaspee raider Paul Allen.
Samuel Allen	Owner of privateer Hero, 1779, Field. ?Relation to Gaspee raider Paul Allen.
Joseph Almy	Master of Providence-based privateer, Independence, 1779, Field.
Peter Aloph	Master of Providence-based privateer, Count deGrasse, 1782, Field.
Uriah Alverson	Appointed to the 1775 Providence Committee of Inspection (for War preparedness), Bayles p205
Israel Ambrose	Master of Providence-based privateer, Snow Bird, 1776, Field.
Daniel Angell	Appointed to the 1775 Providence committee to collect and distribute firearms (for War preparedness), Bayles p205
Nathan Angell	Providence merchant who signed complaint against Dudingston. Robinson
James Anthony	Master of Providence-based two-masted privateer, 1782, Field.
Alfred Arnold	Master of Providence-based privateer, Modesty, 1782 and others, Field.
Jonathan Arnold	Appointed in 1773 to the Providence Committee of Inspection (for war preparedness).  Bayles, p 181.  (28 AUG 1746 - NOV 1806) brother of Gaspee raider suspect Welcome Arnold.
Peleg Arnold	Appointed to the 1775 Providence committee to collect and distribute firearms (for War preparedness), Bayles p205
Stephen Arnold, Jr	Appointed to the 1775 Providence Committee of Inspection (for War preparedness), Bayles p205
Zephaniah Andrews	Appointed in 1773 to the Providence Committee of Inspection (for war preparedness).  Bayles, p 181.  Lived off Weybosset Street on the west Side of the Great Bridge, with dock access.  ? relation to Gaspee conspiritor John Andrews
Amos Atwell	Member of General Assembly from Providence c1776.  Owned two properties off Weybosset Street near the docks.
Sheffield Atwood	Master of Providence-based privateer, Spitfire, 1777, Field.
Adam Babcock	Owner of privateer Minerva, 1776, Field
George W. Babcock	Master of Providence-based privateer, Favorite, and others, Field.
Samuel Bailey	Owner of privateer Wasp, 1779, Field
William Barton	Owner of privateer Vermont, 1783, Field.  There was also a RI Militia General William Barton who back in 1778 had captured British General Prescott in Newport.
Joseph Belcher	Owner of privateer United States, 1776, Field
Joseph Bell	Master of Providence-based privateer, Two Brothers, 1778, Field.
Elisha Bennett	Master of Providence-based privateer, Marvel, 1779, Field.
Captain Bentley	Named by Williams as captain of a RI privateer vessel during the Revolution, p84.
Captain Lemuel Bishop	Named by Williams as captain of a RI privateer vessel William Barton during the Revolution and captured by the British, p90.  Master of Providence-based privateer, Mermaid, and others, Field.
Dr. Ephraim Bowen	Father of the younger Ephraim Bowen, sponsor of the "Daughters of Liberty". Providence physician. See Simister p28
Col. Jabez Bowen	Older stepbrother of Ephraim Bowen.  Member of the Committee of Correspondence.  The house of his father (1739), Dr. Jabez Bowen, still exists at 39 Bowen Street, named in honor of the respected physician.  Owner of privateer Sally, 1778, Field
Oliver Bowen	Master of Providence-based privateer, St. John, 1782, Field.  Older Step-Brother of Gaspee raider Ephraim Bowen.
Metcalf Bowler	Prominent politician, named by Hackett in fictionalized 1940s play. Dep. delegate to Stamp Act Congress, NY 1765. See Simister p23.  Member of the Sons of Liberty and the RI Committee of Corresondence. Was a Judge in Newport in 1772, and a Deputy (legislator) and Speaker of the House from Portsmouth.  He may have been a spy for the British 1776-1779, however.
Joseph Briggs	Master of Providence-based privateer, Wasp, 1779, Field.
Nicholas Briggs	Master of a Providence-based privateer, 1779, Field.
Francis Brown	Master of Providence-based privateer, Charming Sally, 1776, Field.
Nicholas Brown	Brother of Gaspee raiders John and Joseph Brown, and a prominent local merchant and privateer sponsor, but no evidence directly linking him to the attack.
Samuel Brown	Co-owner of privateer Expedition, 1776, Field
William Brown	Master of Providence-based privateer, Modesty, 1783, Field.
Daniel Bucklin	Master of Providence-based privateer, sloop Montgomery, 1776, Field.
William Bucklin	Owner of privateer Ladies' Delight, 1782, Field.  Master of Providence-based privateer, Ladies' Delight, 1782, Field.
Zebulon Budlong	Owner of privateer Broome, 1776, Field
Walter Burdick	Owner of privateer Marvel, 1779, Field
Captain Ezekiel Burroughs	On the first list of naval officer appointments as a 3rd Lt. US Navy, December 1775. Named by Williams as captain of a RI privateer vessel during the Revolution, p84. ? relative of John B. Hopkins.
Benjamin Butts	Master of Providence-based privateer, Lark, 1779, Field.
Daniel Cahoone	Member of the RI Committee of Correspondence.  In business with Thurber & Cahoone
Isaiah Cahoone	A Captain Cahoone was named by Williams as captain of a RI privateer vessel during the Revolution, p84. Could be Isaiah or Josiah.  Master of Providence-based privateer, Insurance, 1782, Field.
Josiah Cahoone	Master of Providence-based privateer, Snake Fish, 1783, Field.
Andrew Caldwell	Co-owner of privateer Dolly, 1778, Field
Isaac Carr	Master of Providence-based privateer, Black Snake, and others, Field.
John Carter	Publisher of the Providence Gazette.  As someone most to be affected by the levies of the Stamp Act, we can assume that Mr Carter was an active member of the Sons of Liberty.  His house, still extant, on 21 Meeting Street (called Shakespear's Head) was also the local post office, and which was known to deliver mail to individuals identified only as 'Sons of Liberty in Providence'. He undoubtedly knew more than he published.
A. Cartwright	Master of Providence-based privateer, General Arnold, 1778, Field. Lost in 1778 killing three Daggett men from Martha's Vineyard
Silas Casey	Co-owner of privateer Greenwich, 1776,  and General Sterling, among others, Field
Capt. Samuel Chace, Jr. (also spelled Chase) (1722-1802)	Named by Williams as captain of a RI privateer vessel during the Revolution, p84. Master of Providence-based privateer, Oliver Cromwell, 1776-1777, Field. This ship, owned by Nicholas Brown and William & Joseph Russell, was forced aground in Narragansett Bay and burnt by the British sloop-of-war, Kingfisher in August 1777. He was later Captain of the St. Peter when captured off Antigua by the HMS Aurora, and was later Captain of a privateer sloop owned by Welcome Arnold that was captured by the Earl of Dunmore and kept prisoner in New York, per Bartlett in Records of RI, 1780-1783. He was the first Postmaster of Providence, worked with Stephen Hopkins, and at one time owned over 20 ships. A portrait exists and was displayed in the 1892 exhibition per the DAR. He was certainly of the right contacts and ilk to have been involved somehow with the burning of the Gaspee.
John Channing	Owner of privateer Count deGrasse, 1782, Field
Ezra Clarke	Prominent orator, clergyman & politician, named by Hackett in fictionalized 1940s play, but lived in Newport
Jeremiah Clarke	Co-owner of privateer Swallow, 1777, Field
John Innes Clarke	Merchant of Clark & Nightengale. Member of General Assembly from Providence c1776.  Owner of privateer Joseph, and others during Revolution, Field  Brother-in-law of Gaspee raider Ephraim Bowen.  Solomon Drowne, MD wrote about his experiences in 1780 aboard the privateer Hope owned by Joseph Nightengale and John Innes Clarke in his published journal.
Peleg Clarke	Co-owner of privateer Mary, 1778, Field
Cromwell Child	Co-owner of privateer General Stark, 1778, Field
Thomas Child	Master of Providence-based privateer, Industry, 1776, Field.
Abner Coffin	Master of Providence-based privateer, Favorite, and others, Field.
Jonathan Coffin	Master of Providence-based privateer, Unity, 1782, Field.
Captain Job Coggeshall	Named by Williams as captain of a RI privateer vessel during the Revolution, p84.  Master of Providence-based privateer, Betsey, 1778, Field.
Howland Coit	Co-owner of privateer Comet, 1781, Field
Daniel Collins	Master of Providence-based privateer, Baton, 1782, Field.
John Collins	Owner of privateer Bachelor, 1776, Field.  Became Governor of RI 1786-1790. b. June 8, 1717 in Newport, RI d. March 8, 1795 in Newport, RI buried: Family Lot, Castle Hill Neck, Newport, RI  (NT018)
Capt. Benjamin Comstock	Commanded vessel of Nicholas Brown & Co. to procure arms shipments for the Revolution, and was also involved in importing slaves for John Brown.  A Gideon Comstock lived on the North Main Street area in 1770.
Joseph Cooke	Co-owner of privateer Polly, 1776, Field.  Master of Providence-based privateer, Betsey, 1780, Field. ? relation to Gov. Nicholas Cooke.  Co-sponsored the privateer sloop Montgomery, 1776, Short.
Silas Cooke	Master of Providence-based privateer, General Warren, 1777, Field. ? relation to Gov. Nicholas Cooke.
Miles Cooper	Owner of privateer Marquis de LaFayette, 1782, Field
William Corey	Master of Providence-based privateer, Phoenix, 1782, Field.
George Corlis	Appointed in 1773 to the Providence Committee of Inspection (for war preparedness).  Bayles, p 181.  House at 203 South Main Street. Co-owner of privateer General Gates, 1776, Field.  Owned the wharf next to Fenner's wharf from where the raiding party set out.
Major John Crane	Appointed officer in the United Train of Artillery from Providence, c1775
William Cornell	Master of Providence-based privateer, Wasp, 1779, Field.
William Covell	Master of Providence-based privateer, General Washington, 1783, Field.
Arthur Crawford	Master of Providence-based privateer, Hawke, 1777, Field.
William Creed	Owner of privateer St. John, and others during Revolution, Field
Peter Crooch	Per Saturday Evening Post 1829: Town Crier that announced the plan to destroy the Gaspee.  ? may be fictional. Variations of the name of the drummer include Daniel Pearce (Otis-Kaler) and Price (Williams)
Benjamin Cushing	Business partner and son-in-law with Nicholas Cooke
John Dalling	Master of Providence-based privateer, Neptune, 1783, Field.
Peter Day	Master of Providence-based privateer, Molly's Adventure, 1779, Field.
William Denison	Appointed clerk in the United Train of Artillery from Providence, c1775
Captain John (or Jonathan) Dennis	Named by Williams as captain of a RI privateer vessel during the Revolution, p84. Owner of privateer Lively, and others during Revolution, Field
William Dennis	Master of Providence-based privateer, America, amd others, Field.
John Deshon, Esq.	Of East Greenwich, commissioned in 1777 to privateer
Anthony DeWolf	Owner of privateer Ranger, 1777, Field
Mark Anthony DeWolfe	1726-1792, from Bristol, slave trading partner with John Brown, and his father in law Simeon Potter
Edward Dillingham	Master of Providence-based privateer, Betsey, 1777, Field.
William Dring	Master of Providence-based privateer, America, 1776, Field.
Jonathan Dunham	Master of Providence-based privateer, Count deGrasse, 1783, Field.
Ezekiel Durfee	Master of Providence-based privateer, Polly, 1776, Field.
William Earle	Appointed in 1773 to the Providence Committee of Inspection (for war preparedness).  Bayles, p 181.  Owner of privateer Yankee Ranger, 1776, Field
Bernard Eddy	Appointed in 1773 to the Providence Committee of Inspection (for war preparedness).  Bayles, p 181
Peleg Eldred	Master of Providence-based privateer, Macaroni, 1779, Field.
Christopher Ellery	Owner of privateer General Washington, 1783, Field
Isaac Eslick	Master of Providence-based privateer, Ranger, 1777, Field.
Isaac Field	Master of Providence-based privateer, War Eagle, and others, Field.
John Field	Master of Providence-based privateer, Joseph, 1776, Field.
Captain Finch	Named by Williams as captain of a RI privateer vessel during the Revolution, p84.
Jonah Flagg	Owner of privateer Weazle, 1779, Field
Thomas Forrester	Master of Providence-based privateer, Wonder, 1783, Field.
Sen. Theodore Foster	May have written the Gaspee Song.
Captain Freeborn	Named by Williams as captain of a RI privateer vessel during the Revolution, p84.
Captain Gadney	Named by Williams as captain of a RI privateer vessel during the Revolution, p84.
Caleb Gardner	Co-owner of privateer Revenge, and others during Revolution, Field.  Master of Providence-based privateer, Flying Fish, 1779, Field.
Captain Joseph Gardner	Named by Williams as captain of a RI privateer vessel during the Revolution, p84.  Master of Providence-based privateer, Greenwich, 1776, Field.
Captain John Garzie (or Gazee)	Named by Williams as captain of a RI privateer vessel during the Revolution, p84. Owner of privateer Retaliation, 1779, Field.  Master of Providence-based privateer, General Greene, 1776, Field.
James Godfrey	Master of Providence-based privateer, Lady Washington, and others, Field.
Cotton Gelston	Owner of privateer Unity, 1782, Field
Nathaniel Giles	Co-owner of privateer Lady Washington, 1776, Field
Caleb Greene	Master of Providence-based privateer, Hero, 1779, Field.
Elisha Greene	Owner of a two-masted privateer, 1782, Field
Griffin Greene	Co-owner of privateer Flora, and others during Revolution, Field
Jacob Greene	Co-owner of privateer Greenwich, and others during Revolution, Field.    Was a Deputy (RI Assembly) from Warwick.
Peleg Greene	Master of Providence-based privateer, Wasp, 1781 and others, Field.
Thomas Greene	Member (Assistant) of General Assembly from Providence c1772. May be related to Gaspee raider Rufus Greene.
William Greene (Jr.)	Co-owner of privateer Greenwich, 1776, Field  William Greene, Sr had been Governor of RI 1743-1758 (on & off) but died in 1758.  William Greene, Jr became Governor of RI 1778-1786. b. Aug. 16, 1731 in Warwick, RI d. Nov. 29, 1809 in Warwick, RI buried: Greene-Roelker Cemetery, Warwick, RI  (WK040)
Captain John Grimes	Named by Williams as captain of a RI privateer vessel during the Revolution, p84. Master of Providence-based privateer, General Gates, and others, Field.
Joshua Hacker	Captained packet ships along with Benjamin Lindsey in 1763. Joshua Hacker owned Hacker's Hall, a Revolutionary-era entertainment house frequented by Washington and Rochambeau, was the scene of many Colonial balls and parties before its destruction in a great Providence fire of 1801.
Charles Handy, Jr.	Master of Providence-based privateer, Yorick, 1782, Field.
John Hall	Master of Providence-based privateer, Abigail, 1779, Field.
Captain Levi Hall	Appointed officer in the United Train of Artillery from Providence, c1775
William Hall	Co-sponsored the privateer sloop Montgomery, 1776. Short.
Thomas Lloyd Halsey (1751-1838)	Successful China merchant born at the right time to be associated with our culprits.  House at 140 Prospect Street also an HP Lovecraft setting.  Brother-in-law of Gaspee raider Ephraim Bowen.
Ishmael Hardy	Master of Providence-based privateer, Lady Washington, 1776, Field.
William Hart	Co-owner of privateer Fanny, 1776, Field
Philemon Haskell	Master of Providence-based privateer, Greyhound, 1781, Field.
Thomas Hazard	Co-owner of privateer Diamond, 1776, Field
James Hood	Co-owner of privateer Molly's Adventure, 1779, Field
Christopher Hopkins	Owner of privateer General Washington, 1783, Field
Rufus Hopkins	Prominent Providence merchant, Field.    Was a Deputy (RI Assembly) from Scituate.
William Hopkins	Master of Providence-based privateer, Clemence, 1782 and others, Field.
John Horne	Master of Providence-based privateer, Rover, 1777, Field.
James Hovey	Master of Providence-based privateer, Fairfield, 1777, Field.
David Howell	Member of General Assembly from Providence c1778
Amos Hubbard	Owner of privateer Fairfield, 1777, Field
John Humphrey	Co-owner of privateer Dolphin, and others during Revolution, Field.  Master of Providence-based privateer, Nancy, 1783, Field.
Thomas Jackson	Master of Providence-based privateer, Providence, and others, Field.
William Jacobs	Master of Providence-based privateer, Happy Return, 1779, Field.  Perhaps was Wilson Jacobs.
Wilson Jacobs (1748-1805)	Perhaps misidentified as William Jacobs.  The Happy Return was owned by John Brown.  Jacobs was later a POW aboard the Jersey.  Also commanded the privateers Kingbird (1781) and Reprisal (1782)  Private e-mail from  Jeff Alexander [AlexanJ@westinghouse.com]
Isaac James	Master of Providence-based privateer, Retaliation, 1776, Field.
Captain Jaques	Named by Williams as captain of a RI privateer vessel during the Revolution, p84.
Captain Samuel Jeffers	Named by Williams as captain of a RI privateer vessel during the Revolution, p84. Master of Providence-based privateer, Trimmer, 1782 and others, Field.
Daniel Jenckes	Member of General Assembly from Providence c1774.  Prominent Providence merchant.  Chief Justice of the Inferior Court for Common Pleas
John Jenckes	Member of General Assembly (Deputy) from Providence c1774. Member of the Committee of Correspondence.  Owner of privateer Putnam, 1776, Field.  Prominent Providence merchant.
Stephen Jenckes	Master of Providence-based privateer, May Flower, 1778, Field.
Thomas Jenkins	Owner of privateer Marie Antoinette, 1783, Field
Henry Johnston	Master of Providence-based privateer, Flora, 1781, Field.
Joseph Johnson	Probably a misidentified Joseph Jenckes secondary to a typo by one historian, Ed Fields
John Paul Jones	Named by Williams as captain of a RI privateer vessel during the Revolution, alternating with ships of war, p84. Yep....THE John Paul Jones.
Charles Keene	Member of General Assembly from Providence c1778
John Kendrick	Master of Providence-based privateer brig, Marianna, 1780, Field.
Edward Kinnicutt	Prominent Providence merchant, Field
Captain William Ladd	Named by Williams as captain of a RI privateer vessel during the Revolution, p84. Master of Providence-based privateer, Bachelor, and others, Field.
David Lawrence	Appointed in 1773 to the Providence Committee of Inspection (for war preparedness).  Bayles, p 181.  Co-sponsored the privateer sloop Montgomery, 1776. Short.
Joseph Lawrence	Owner of privateer Eagle, and others during Revolution, Field.
Timothy Lock	Master of Providence-based privateer, Jolly Robin, 1778, Field.
James Lovett	Providence merchant that signed complaint against Dudingston. Robinson  Had firm of Lovett & Greene at Prov IIIB3
M. Mackay	Owner of privateer Greyhound, 1781, Field
William Malone	Master of Providence-based privateer, Harbinger, 1780, Field.
Benjamin Man	Appointed in 1773 to the Providence Committee of Inspection (for war preparedness).  Bayles, p 181.  Elected to General Assembly (Deputy) from Providence, 1769-1773.  Co-owner along with Nathan Morris of privateer Modesty, 1782, Field
Sion Martindale	(1733-1785) From Bristol, RI, he commanded the Massachusetts Colonial Navy frigate Washington that was captured in Dec 1775, and he afterwards spent time in England as a prisoner. He later escaped prison and returned to RI to rejoin the fight.  He then became Master of Providence-based privateer, Bradford S., in 1779, according to Field.  Robert H. Patton in Patriot Pirates, 2008, refers to him as a 'rumored' Gaspee raider, but in personally checking with the author, the 'rumored' aspect arose directly from this list
Aaron Mason	Appointed in 1773 to the Providence Committee of Inspection (for war preparedness).  Bayles, p 181
Thomas Mass	Master of Providence-based privateer, Fulton, 1779, Field.
John Mathewson	Member of General Assembly from Providence c1775. Member of the Committee of Correspondence.  Co-owner of privateer Eagle, 1776, Field
Othniel Matthewson	Appointed to the 1775 Providence committee to collect and distribute firearms (for War preparedness), Bayles p205
Richard Mathewson	Owner of privateer Success, 1779, Field
Joseph Mauran	Master of Providence-based privateer, Weazle, 1778, Field.
Nathan Miller	Co-owner of privateer United States, and others during Revolution, Field
James Monroe	Master of Providence-based privateer, Blaze Castle, 1777 and others, Field. May be misspelt Munroe
Daniel Mowry	Appointed to the 1775 Providence committee to collect and distribute firearms (for War preparedness), Bayles p205
Elisha Mowry, Jr.	Appointed to the 1775 Providence Committee of Inspection (for War preparedness), Bayles p205
James Mowry	Master of Providence-based privateer, Minerva, 1777, Field.
Francis Mulligan	Owner of privateer Chance, 1782, Field
John Mumford	Owner of privateer General Gates, 1780, Field
James Munroe	Master of Providence-based privateer, Joseph, and others, Field.  May be misspelt Monroe.
Captain John Murphy	Named by Williams as captain of a RI privateer vessel during the Revolution, p84. Master of Providence-based privateer, Swallow, 1777, Field.  Descendant claims John Murphy also is believed to have serverd on Frigate Deane and twice escaped from British, once from prison and again from prison ship 'Old Jersey"
Joseph Nightengale (1748-1797)	Another wealthy distillery merchant of Clarke & Nightengale.  His house still exists at 357 Benefit Street..  Co-owner of privateer Blaze Castle, 1777, Field  Prov IIIB3.    Solomon Drowne, MD wrote about his experiences in 1780 aboard the privateer Hope owned by Joseph Nightengale and John Innes Clarke in his published journal.
Samuel Nightengale	1741-1814 Providence distillery merchant.  Member of the Committee of Correspondence, associated with Brown & Ives.  Involved in July 4th celebrations as early as 1788.  Founder of the firm of Clark & Nightengale. This firm was involved in the triagular trade, and ran a distillery of rum. Co-owner of privateer Blaze Castle, 1777, Field.  Prov IIIB3
William Nightengale	Prominent merchant, named by Hackett in fictionalized 1940s play
W. Norris	Owner of privateer Modesty, 1783, Field
Nicholas Oliver	Co-sponsored the privateer sloop Montgomery, 1776. Short.
Joseph Olney	Tavern owner where the Sons of Liberty regularly met. See Simister p26.  Master of Providence-based privateer, Rover, 1781 and others, Field.  Later sailed with Gaspee raider Benjamin Page.
Henry Oman	Master of Providence-based privateer, General Sullivan, 1777, Field.
Nathaniel Packard	Master of Providence-based privateer, America, 1777, Field.
Abram Page	Co-owner of privateer America, 1776, Field
Ambrose Page	Appointed in 1773 to the Providence Committee of Inspection (for war preparedness).  Bayles, p 181.  Related to Gaspee raider Benjamin Page.  Prov IIIA2 and IIIA3
Arnold Paine	Appointed to the 1775 Providence committee to collect and distribute firearms (for War preparedness), Bayles p205
S. Royal Paine	Owner of privateer Bradford S., 1779, Field
Elijah F. Payne	Master of Providence-based privateer, Defiance, 1777, Field.
Benjamin Pearce	Master of Providence-based privateer, General Stark, 1778 and others, Field.
Benoni Pearce	Member of General Assembly from Providence c1776
Captain Timothy Pearce	Named by Williams as captain of a RI privateer vessel during the Revolution, p84.  Master of Providence-based privateer, Gamecock, 1777, Field.
Joseph Peck	Master of Providence-based privateer, Sally, 1776, Field.
Captain James Phillips	Named by Williams as captain of a RI privateer vessel during the Revolution, p84. Master of Providence-based privateer, Hawke, 1776 and others, Field.
Benjamin Pierce	Master of Providence-based privateer, United States, and others, Field.
Job Pierce	Master of Providence-based privateer, Greenwich, and others, Field.
John Pond	Master of Providence-based privateer, Fulton, 1783, Field.
Abijah Potter	Master of Providence-based privateer brig, Providence, 1780, Field.
Mowry Potter	Master of Providence-based privateer, Eagle, 1777, Field.
William Potter	Appointed to the 1775 Providence committee to collect and distribute firearms (for War preparedness), Bayles p205
Captain Nicholas Power	Brother-in-law of Joseph Brown, recruited others for the fledgling Continental Navy.  Appointed in 1773 to the Providence Committee of Inspection (for war preparedness).  Bayles, p 181
Jeremiah Pratt	Co-owner of privateer Expedition, and others during Revolution, Field
Captain Oliver Read	Named by Williams as captain of a RI privateer vessel during the Revolution, p84.  Master of Providence-based privateer, General Rochambeau, 1782, Field.
John Remington	Master of Providence-based privateer, General Greene, 1783, Field.
Joseph Rhodes	Owned the Pawtuxet home in which Dudingston was placed after being shot.  He kept Dudingston's money amounting to ($?)79 and refused to give it back.
William Rhodes	Member of General Assembly from Providence c1776.  Co-owner of privateer Victory, 1777, Field.  Master of Providence-based privateer, Montgomery, 1776, Field.
Henry Rice	Sheriff of Kent County
Isaac Rider	Master of Providence-based privateer, General Lovell, 1779, Field.
Eliphalet Ripley	Master of Providence-based privateer, Expedition, 1776, Field.
Lt. Elihu Robinson	Member of General Assembly from Providence c1774, Appointed officer in the United Train of Artillery from Providence, c1775.  Prov IIIB3.  Co-sponsored the privateer sloop Montgomery, 1776. Short.
Joseph Rotch	Master of Providence-based privateer, Minerva, 1776, Field.
Joseph Russell	Ship-owner, merchant of the firm William and Joseph Russell.  State Senator in 1785.  Appointed in 1773 to the Providence Committee of Inspection (for war preparedness).  Bayles, p 181,  Co-owner of privateer General Gates, and others during Revolution, Field.  Prov IIIA3
William Russell	Ship-owner, merchant of the firm  William and Joseph Russell.  Served with LaFayette.  Owned a house with his brother Joseph, still standing at 118 North Main Street. Co-owner of privateer Oliver Cromwell, and others during the Revolution, Field.  Prov IIIA3
Thomas Rutenburg	Master of Providence-based privateer, Montgomery, 1777, Field.
John Sanford	Co-owner of privateer Revenge, 1776, Field.  Master of Providence-based privateer, Count d'Estang, 1779, Field.
Peleg Salisbury	Older brother of Gaspee raider Nathan Salisbury, later served on jury finding Dudingston liable for damages to the Greene family for Gaspee's seizure of cargo of rum
Richard Salter	Co-sponsored a privateer in 1776 along with known Gaspee raiders John B. Hopkins, Joseph Tillinghast, and others
Sylvanus Sayles	Appointed to the 1775 Providence committee to collect and distribute firearms (for War preparedness), Bayles p205
Benjamin Seabury	Master of Providence-based privateer, Swallow, 1776, Field. Later in US Navy 1st chit
Martin Seamans	Builder for architect  & Gaspee raider Joseph Brown.  Woodward p20.
Isaac Sears	Owner of privateer Charming Sally, 1776, and others, Field
Captain Joseph Sheffield	Named by Williams as captain of a RI privateer vessel during the Revolution, p84. Master of Providence-based privateer, Revenge, 1776, Field.
Israel Sheldon (1755-1792)	Son of known Gaspee raider Christopher Sheldon.
Pardon Sheldon	Master of Providence-based privateer, Adventure, 1780, Field.
Captain Remington Sheldon (1753-1829)	Son of known Gaspee raider Christopher Sheldon.
Elijah Shepardson	Co-sponsored a privateer in 1776 along with known Gaspee raiders John B. Hopkins, Joseph Tillinghast, and others
George Shokely	Master of Providence-based privateer, Adams, 1776, Field.
N. Silsby	Co-owner of privateer Surprise, 1782, Field
Captain Daniel Simmons	Named by Williams as captain of a RI privateer vessel during the Revolution, p84.  Master of Providence-based privateer, Yankee Ranger, 1776, Field.
Robert Slocum	Co-owner of privateer General Lovell, 1779, Field
Christopher Smith	Master of Providence-based privateer sloop, Hope, 1781, Field.
Job Smith	Providence distiller merchant that signed complaint against Dudingston.  Robinson
John Smith	Member of General Assembly from Providence c1772.  May be related to Gaspee raider Turpin Smith..  Co-owner of privateer Montgomery, 1776, and others during Revolution, Field
Simeon Smith	Master of Providence-based privateer brig, Hope, 1781, Field.
Henry Soule, Jr.	Master of Providence-based privateer, Hawke and Eagle, 1779, Field.
John Southwick	Co-owner of privateer Montgomery, 1776, Field
Captain Thomas Stacy	Named by Williams as captain of a RI privateer vessel during the Revolution, p84. Master of Providence-based privateer, Diamond, 1776-1777, Field.
Thomas Stanton	Master of Providence-based privateer, Barber, 1779, Field.
Cyprian Sterry	Lived in the neighborhood, and was a notorious captain of slave-trading vessels, ala Brown brothers
Robert Stevens	Owner of privateer Providence, 1779, Field
Samuel Stillman	Master of Providence-based privateer, Generous Friend, 1777, Field.
Noah Stoddard	Master of Providence-based privateer, Scammel, 1782, Field.
Zebulon Story	Owner of privateer Trimmer, and others during Revolution, Field
Job Sweeting	Appointed in 1773 to the Providence Committee of Inspection (for war preparedness).  Bayles, p 181
Robert Taylor	Owner of privateer General Gates, and others during Revolution, Field
Paul Tew	Sheriff of Providence County
John Thomas	Master of Providence-based privateer, General Sterling, 1776, Field.
Louis Thomas	Master of Providence-based privateer, Snow Bird, 1777, Field.
Benjamin Thurber	Along with Joseph Brown and Joseph Bucklin, constructed a attack-warning signal beacon at College Hill
Colonel Daniel Tillinghast	Appointed commanding officer in the United Train of Artillery from Providence, c1775.  Prominent Providence merchant.
H. H. Tillinghast	Owner of privateer Clemence, 1782, Field
John Tillinghast	Master of Providence-based privateer, Retaliation, 1777, Field.
John L. Tillinghast	Master of Providence-based privateer, Game Cock, 1783, Field.
Captain Joseph Tillinghast	Of the four Captains Joseph Tillinghast, we know at least one was involved.  But, there may well have been more than one Joe T. along for the ride.
Thomas Tillinghast	Master of Providence-based privateer, United States, 1777, Field.  Was a Deputy (RI Assembly) from East Greenwich.
John Topham	Owner of privateer General Rochambeau, 1782, Field
Jonathan Treadwill	Master of Providence-based privateer, Happy Return, 1779, Field.
Samuel Tripp	Master of Providence-based privateer, Yankee Ranger, 1776, Field.
Isaac Tyler	Master of Providence-based privateer, Dolphin, 1779 and others, Field.
Michael Underwood	Master of Providence-based privateer, Barber, 1779, Field.
John Updike	Member of General Assembly from Providence c1776. Member of the Committee of Correspondence.  Master of Providence-based privateer, Crawford, 1780, Field.  Prob brother in law to John Cole.
William Vernon	Owner of privateer Minerva, 1778, Field.
Jonathan Waldron	Owner of privateer Macaroni, 1779, Field
William Wall	Co-sponsored a privateer in 1776 along with known Gaspee raiders John B. Hopkins, Joseph Tillinghast, and others.  Co-owner of privateer Montgomery, and others during Revolution, Field.  Prominent Providence merchant, Field
William Wallace	Owner of privateer Yankee Ranger, 1776, Field
William Walters	Master of Providence-based privateer, Comet, 1781, Field.
George Wanton	Master of Providence-based privateer, Barton, 1778, Field.
John Wanton	Owner of privateer Betsey, 1777 and others, Field
Samuel Wanton	Master of Providence-based privateer, Broome, 1777, Field.
Samuel Wardwell	Master of Providence-based privateer, George, 1780, Field. Prop rel to Bourn & Wardwell Distillery in Bristol.
William Wardwell	Master of Providence-based privateer, Hero, 1779, Field.  Prop rel to Bourn & Wardwell Distillery in Bristol.
Samuel Warner	Appointed Lieutenant of the Fox Point Battery, 1775
Benjamin Warren	Master of Providence-based privateer, Surprise, 1782, Field.
Eleazer Warren	Master of Providence-based privateer, Industry, 1782, Field.
Elisha Warren	Master of Providence-based privateer, General Gates, 1779, Field.
James Warren, Esq.	Of East Greenwich, commissioned in 1777 to privateer
John Warren	Master of Providence-based privateer, Yankee Ranger, 1777, Field.
Andrew Waterman	Appointed to the 1775 Providence Committee of Inspection (for War preparedness), Bayles p205
William Waterman	Master of Providence-based privateer, Diamond, 1776, Field.
Samuel Watrous, Jr.	Master of Providence-based privateer, Chance, 1782, Field.
Joseph Webb	Owner of privateer Generous Friend, 1777, Field
Nicholas Webster	Master of Providence-based privateer, General Wayne, 1779, Field.
Joseph West	Owner of privateer Polly, 1783, Field
Jabez Westcott	Master of Providence-based privateer, Victory, 1777, Field.
Jacob Westcott	Master of Providence-based privateer, Sally, 1782, Field.
Nathan Westcott	Master of Providence-based privateer, Retaliation, 1779, Field.
John Wheaton	Master of Providence-based privateer, Weazle, 1779, Field.
Nathaniel Wheaton	Appointed in 1773 to the Providence Committee of Inspection (for war preparedness).  Bayles, p 181  Prov  VIB6
Richard Whellon	Master of Providence-based privateer, Broome, 1776, Field.
Christopher Whipple	Master of Providence-based privateer, Putnam, 1777 and others, Field.
Jabez Whipple	Master of Providence-based privateer, Independence, 1776, Field.
Stephen Whipple	Appointed to the 1775 Providence committee to collect and distribute firearms (for War preparedness), Bayles p205
Azariah Whitney	Master of Providence-based privateer, Fanny, 1777, Field.
Ebenezer Williams	Master of Providence-based privateer, Dolly, 1778, Field.
John Williams	Co-owner of privateer Marianna, 1781, Field
Peleg Wood	Owner of privateer General Greene, 1783, Field
Richard Woodson	Owner of privateer Trimmer, 1782, Field
Shubael Worth	Master of Providence-based privateer, Marie Antoinette, 1783, Field.
Obadiah Wright	Master of Providence-based privateer, General Gates, 1780, Field.
Samuel Wyatt	Co-owner of privateer America, and others during Revolution, Field
Henry Wyncoop	Owner of privateer Industry, 1782, Field

Click here to access the list of Providence taxpayers in 1770, any of whom might be considered suspect! Click here to access .pdf file of 18th century RI pirates and privateers taken from "Address" presented to the Rhode Island Historical Society on Feb. 7, 1882 by William P. Sheffield. References: Bayles, Richard M. History of Providence County, Rhode Island, New York, 1891, page 178, 181, 205 Field, Edward, State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations at the End of the Century:  A History.  Boston, Mason Publishing Co. 1902, Vol II, pp424-430 List of Privateersmen from Providence. Hackett, Walter.  That Gaspee Affair: A Radio Drama.  Oxford Press, Providence, 1941. Loan Exhibition, Gaspee Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, April 19 & 20, 1892. Patton, Robert H.  Patriot Pirates, 2008, Pantheon Books. Robinson, Natalie;  Revolutionary Fire:  The Gaspee Affair.  RI Committee for the Humanities 1988 Simister, Florence Parker. Streets of the City: An Anecdotal History of Providence. Short, Glenn B., personal e-mail correspondence Dec 2015 re RI State Archives. Williams, Catherine. Biography of Revolutionary Heroes: Containing the Life of Brigadier Gen. William Barton and also of Captain Stephen Olney. Providence, Published by the author, 1839, p84. Woodward, William McKenzie.  PPS/AIAri Guide to Providence Architecture.  Providence Preservation Society, 2003

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