John Paul Jones
Scottish-born naval officer (1747–1792)
Who was John Paul Jones?
John Paul Jones lived from July 6, 1747 to July 18, 1792. John Paul Jones (born John Paul; July 6, 1747 – July 18, 1792) was a British-American naval officer who served in the Continental Navy during the American Revolutionary War. Often referred to as the "Father of the American Navy", Jones is regarded by several commentators as one of the greatest naval commanders in the military history of the United States. Born in Arbigland, Kirkcudbrightshire, Jones became a sailor at age 13 and served onboard several different merchantmen, including slave ships.
Career and public life
After killing a mutinous subordinate, he fled to the British colony of Virginia to avoid being arrested and in c. 1775 joined the newly established Continental Navy. During the ensuing war with Great Britain, Jones participated in several naval engagements with the Royal Navy. He led a naval campaign in the Irish and North Seas, attacking British naval and merchant shipping, and other civilian targets. As part of the campaign, he raided the English town of Whitehaven, won the North Channel Naval Duel and fought the Battle of Flamborough Head, gaining him an international reputation. Left without a command in 1787, Jones joined the Imperial Russian Navy and rose to the rank of rear admiral... John Paul Jones was a British-American naval officer who served in the Continental Navy during the American Revolutionary War.
Historical significance
1775 joined the newly established Continental Navy. He led a naval campaign in the Irish and North Seas, attacking British naval and merchant shipping, and other civilian targets. As part of the campaign, he raided the English town of Whitehaven, won the North Channel Naval Duel and fought the Battle of Flamborough Head, gaining him an international reputation.