Vernon family.

The Vernons (William, Samuel, and Thomas) were influential merchants of the 18th and 19th centuries engaged in maritime trade from their base of operations in Newport, R.I. William and Samuel formed a partnership that was active in the triangle trade: rum to Africa, slaves to the West Indies, and molasses to New England. The firm also engaged in privateering and had interests in several ships during King George's War. The Vernon family divided loyalty during the Revolutionary War. Thomas was an active Loyalist in Newport, while William and Samuel were supporters of the patriots' cause. The British occupation forced William to leave Newport in 1776. During the war, he served as a member of the Navy Board of the Eastern Department, charged with building and supplying America's ships and maintaining registers of personnel. After the war, William resumed his business activities and became involved in the local affairs of Newport as an overseer of the poor and an incorporator of the Redwood Library. In later years, his son, Samuel, Jr., became active in the business, first as a ship's captain and then as a partner.

From the description of Records, 1738-1829. (Winterthur Library). WorldCat record id: 84665687