New York revolutionary leader and merchant.

Earned a reputation for bravery while commanding privateers during the French and Indian War.

A leader of the resistance to the Stamp Act, he was at the head of many demonstrations of mob violence in New York City, and won for himself the title of “King.”

One of the Committee of Correspondence of Fifty-one (1774). Prominent in the New York Sons of Liberty at the beginning of the War.

Moved to New Haven and with a Company of Connecticut Light Horse he led a raid into New York City where they burned a naval supply ship, imprisoned Loyalists, and destroyed the Tory press of James Rivington (November 1775).

Lived in Boston (1777-83). Returned to New York and entered into partnership with his son-in-law, Paschal Nelson Smith.

Born at West Brewster, Massachusetts. Married to Sarah Drake.