Throughout the year, in celebration of our nation’s Sesquicentennial, the West Greenwich Preservation and Heritage Commission will be profiling Revolutionary War soldiers from our town. By highlighting these individuals, we hope to honor their service while continuing our mission of preserving and sharing the rich history of West Greenwich for future generations.

The first in this series is Ebenezer Hopkins.

Ebenezer Hopkins was born on November 6, 1751, in West Greenwich, Rhode Island. He was the son of Honor Brown, who was 41 years old at the time of his birth, and Judge Samuel Hopkins, who was 47.

On March 22, 1773, at the age of 21, Ebenezer Hopkins married Abigail Davis in West Greenwich, Rhode Island. Together, they had three known sons: Davis (often recorded as David), Christopher, and Alexander.

During the American Revolutionary War, Ebenezer Hopkins served as an Ensign representing West Greenwich. He served in the 2nd Regiment of the Kent County Militia and is listed in Civil and Military Lists of Rhode Island, page 510.

Ebenezer Hopkins died on April 5, 1827, in West Greenwich, Rhode Island, at the age of 75.

His gravestone is in the Theophilus Whaley Lot, designated as Rhode Island Historical Cemetery WG-033.

The second in this series is Sergeant Gideon Waite, Esq.

Sergeant Gideon Waite was born in 1745, the son of Thomas Waite, Jr., and his wife Tabitha Ellis of Dartmouth in Bristol County, Massachusetts. He was also the great-grandson of the immigrant ancestor Thomas Waite, who was born in Northern Wales and later settled in Portsmouth, Rhode Island.

On April 6, 1766, Gideon Waite married Lois Tripp. Together they raised a large family and were the parents of thirteen children, though one sadly died in infancy. Their children were Dorcus, Eunice, Silas, Jeremiah, Simon, Thomas, Gideon II, Reynolds, Benjamin, Lois, Stephen, and Hannah. The Waite family became part of the growing community that would help shape the early history of West Greenwich.

During the struggle for American independence, Gideon Waite served with honor as a Sergeant in the Revolutionary War, answering the call to defend the liberties of the American colonies. He served under Captain Joseph Hopkins and Major Samuel Wall, contributing his efforts to the cause of independence during one of the most pivotal moments in the nation’s history.

Records of his service can be found in several historical sources, including the Rhode Island State Archives Index to Military and Naval Records, 1774–1805 (Family History Library Roll #934773) and John Russell Bartlett’s Civil and Military Lists of Rhode Island, 1647–1800, Volume I, pages 385, 398, 412, and 418. These records preserve the names of the men who stood in defense of their communities and country.

Following the war, Gideon Waite continued to serve his community in civic life. He held the office of Justice of the Peace and served as a member of the West Greenwich Town Council, demonstrating the same dedication to public service in peace that he had shown in wartime.

Sergeant Gideon Waite died on April 1, 1808, and was laid to rest in Plain Meeting House Cemetery (WG-002) in West Greenwich, Rhode Island. His life stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of those early citizens of West Greenwich whose service, sacrifice, and leadership helped shape both their town and their nation.

Our third Revolutionary War soldier profile is:

David Matteson II, Esq.

DAR#: A075349

Born on October 25, 1763, in West Greenwich, Rhode Island, David Matteson II entered the world at a time when the American colonies stood on the brink of revolution. He was the son of David Matteson and Rebecca Andrews and would come of age during one of the most defining struggles in our nation’s history.

As a young man, David answered the call to service, taking up arms as a private in the American Revolutionary War. In doing so, he joined countless ordinary citizens who became extraordinary through their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the cause of liberty. His service helped secure the freedoms that future generations would come to cherish.

Following the war, David returned home to West Greenwich, where he built a life rooted in family and perseverance. On January 2, 1785, he married Dorcus Waite, the daughter of Gideon Waite and Lois Tripp. Together, they raised five known children: Amos, Peleg, Andrew, Benoni, and Lois. Through them, his legacy carried forward into the growing nation he had helped defend.

David Matteson II lived a long and full life, passing away on June 25, 1847, in West Greenwich, the same town in which he was born. He now rests in the David Matteson Lot, known as WG-008, on the Alton Jones Campus—a quiet and enduring reminder of a life marked by both service and strength. David Matteson’s epitaph on his headstone reads:

 “Though long thy life, thy race is run. The years and toils of life are done. When ours shall cease O may we meet to cast our crowns at Jesus feet.”

Today, we remember David Matteson II not only as a husband and father, but as a patriot—one of the many whose bravery laid the foundation of our nation. His story continues to live on in the fields, forests, and historic grounds of West Greenwich.

James Congdon

DAR #A024934

James Congdon was born on November 23, 1753, the son of John Congdon and Mary Reynolds. A lifelong resident of West Greenwich, he became part of a growing young nation during a time of great uncertainty and sacrifice.

On July 23, 1778, he married Hannah Nichols in West Greenwich, Rhode Island. Together, they raised a large family of ten children: John, Henry, Samuel, Abigail, James II, Mary, Joseph, Tabitha, George, and Archibald. Following Hannah’s passing, James married a second time in 1802 to Freelove (last name unknown). No children are known from this second marriage.

During the American Revolution, James Congdon answered the call to serve his country. He enlisted as a Private in the Second Rhode Island Regiment, serving under Captain Bates, Captain Hopkins, Colonel Dyer, and Colonel Brown. His recorded pension, S-21712, stands as a lasting testament to his service and dedication.

 James Congdon passed away on July 7, 1839, leaving behind a legacy rooted in family, service, and the early history of West Greenwich.

He is laid to rest in the Niles-Nichols-Congdon Lot, also known as Rhode Island Historical Cemetery WG-054, located within the Big River Management Area.

David Strait (1746–1837)

Born in 1746 in West Greenwich, Rhode Island, David Strait was the son of John Strait and Mary Shippee. Raised in a colonial town on the eve of revolution, he would come of age just as the American colonies began their fight for independence.

At only 19 years old, David married Mary Almy Aylesworth on February 12, 1766, in West Greenwich. As tensions grew between the colonies and Great Britain, he answered the call to service, joining his fellow Rhode Islanders in the cause of liberty.

David served in the Revolutionary War as a private in the Rhode Island Militia and was later placed on the pension rolls on November 14, 1832, in recognition of his service and sacrifice.

Following the war, David returned to West Greenwich, where he and Mary raised a large family of eight children over 15 years: Thankful, Sarah, Franklin, Mary, Ruth, Damaris, Phebe, and David II. His life reflected both the sacrifice of war and the resilience required to build a nation in its aftermath.

David Strait lived to the remarkable age of 91, passing away on September 26, 1837, in the same town where he was born. He was laid to rest in West Greenwich at the Strait Family Cemetery, designated as Rhode Island Historical Cemetery WG-043, where his legacy endures among the stones of early West Greenwich.

Captain Caleb Hall, Esq.

SAR #38333

Born July 15, 1738, Captain Caleb Hall, Esq. was the son of Preserved Hall and Elizabeth Vaugh. A respected member of his community, he married Meribah Havens, daughter of Robert Havens and Elizabeth Wightman, in 1769. Together, they raised a large family of eleven children: Mary, Frances, Elizabeth, Dorcus, Sarah, Preserved (who died in infancy), Abigail, Preserved, Caleb, Robert, and Havens.

When the call to service came, Caleb answered. At the beginning of the Revolutionary War, he enlisted in Connecticut, serving in the 7th Regiment of the Connecticut Militia in Jones’ Company of Artillery. His role in the artillery placed him at the heart of the fight, contributing to the struggle for independence during a pivotal moment in our nation’s history.

After completing his service in 1779, Captain Caleb Hall, Esq. returned home to West Greenwich, where he resumed his life as a devoted husband, father, and community member.

 A soldier, a leader, and a gentleman of standing—his legacy lives on in the history of West Greenwich and the generations that followed. Let us continue to honor and preserve the memory of Captain Caleb Hall, Esq.

Amasa Pratt (1752-1827)

Amasa Pratt was born in 1752, the son of Jedediah Pratt and Ana Barns. In 1775, he married Freelove Tefft, daughter of Peter Tefft and Sarah Barns. Together, they were known to have 12 children: Simon, Marcy, Sarah, Israel, John, Freelove, Lydia, Hannah, Cynthia, William, Amasa II, and Job. Amasa was also a Mayflower descendant.

During the Revolutionary War, Amasa served under Captain Steven Knight in Company 1, answering the call to support the cause of American independence.

Amasa Pratt died on March 11, 1827, at the age of 75. He is buried in the Amasa Pratt Lot, known as WG-007, here in West Greenwich.

Lieutenant Abel Greene
October 14, 1741 – May 3, 1829

Abel Greene was born on October 14, 1741, the son of James Greene and Elizabeth Straight. 

On April 1, 1764, Abel married Nancy Ann King in Rhode Island. They were married by Thomas Rogers, Justice of the Peace. Nancy Ann King was the daughter of Marie LaValley and Magdalen King and was baptized on August 22, 1742, in the Episcopal Church at Cowesett, now Frenchtown, near East Greenwich, Rhode Island. The King family came from France in 1741.

Together, Abel and Nancy Ann were known to have ten children: Samuel, Nathan, Mary, Elizabeth, Obadiah, Paul, James, Jeremiah, John, and Able.

During the American Revolution, Abel Greene served as a Lieutenant in the First West Greenwich Company under Captain Eleazar Carr. During his service, he was wounded in battle and suffered the loss of an eye.

After the war, Abel continued to serve his community through his work, operating a grist mill and sawmill for many years. He lived in West Greenwich for most of his life.

Abel Greene died on May 3, 1829, in West Greenwich, Rhode Island, at the age of 87. He is buried in the Abel Greene Lot, also known as WG-036.

Augustus Ellis April 9, 1758 - August 19, 1836

Augustus Ellis was born in West Greenwich on April 9, 1758. He was the son of Ayers Ellis and Susannah Hill.

During the American Revolution, Augustus Ellis served as a Private in the Rhode Island State Troops in Captain Benjamin Hoppen’s Company under Colonel William Barton’s Regiment. Records also note that he served under Captain Sweet and Captain Greene.

He married Deserie Slocum, daughter of Charles Slocum and Sarah Allen, in 1785. Together, they were known to have eight children: Mary, Cynthia, Charles, Allen, Sarah, Halsey, Augustus II, and Desire.

Augustus Ellis died on August 19, 1836. He is buried in the Ellis Lot, also known as WG-042, in West Greenwich.

🇺🇸 We remember Captain Augustus Ellis for his service and dedication during the American Revolution. His life and legacy remain an important part of West Greenwich history and the stories we continue to preserve for future generations.

Thomas Tillinghast Esq.
DAR# A115494
April 27, 1732 – October 21, 1827

Thomas Tillinghast Esq. was born on April 27, 1732. He was the son of John Tillinghast and Ann Allen.

Thomas Tillinghast was married three times. His first marriage was to Mary Thomas, and together they had two children: John and Abigail. His second marriage was to Mary Himes, and they were known to have seven children: Job, Mary, Ruth, Amey, Thomas II, Phebe, and Mary. His third marriage was to Mary Casey, and together they had five children: Phebe, Anna, Hapey, Esther, and Thankful. In total, Thomas was the father of 13 known children.

During the American Revolution, Thomas Tillinghast served under Civil Service to the Regiment as a Justice of the Peace for West Greenwich from 1775 to 1779, holding the rank of Lieutenant. His service is documented in Smith, Civil & Military Lists of Rhode Island, 1647–1800, Volume I, pages 326–327, 345–346, 360–361, 364–365, and 373–374.

Thomas Tillinghast died on October 21, 1827, in West Greenwich. He is buried in the Thomas Tillinghast Lot, also known as WG-034.

Recently, the West Greenwich Preservation and Heritage Commission cleaned and preserved WG-034 and proudly flagged Thomas Tillinghast’s gravestone with both the American Flag and the Betsy Ross Flag, recognizing his Revolutionary War service as part of America’s Semiquincentennial remembrance.

Capt. Job Harrington 4th 

December 18, 1759 - June 30, 1840

Capt. Job Harrington IV was born on December 18, 1759, in West Greenwich, Rhode Island. He was the son of Job Harrington III and Rebecca Carr. On October 14, 1781, he married Meribah Whitford, and together they raised nine children: Ebenezer, Aaron, Job V, Nicholas, Carmi, Rebecca, Paul, Daniel, and Whitman.

Job Harrington entered Revolutionary War service in December 1776, serving under Capt. Alexander Hopkins at Warwick in Col. Nathan Brown’s Regiment. Throughout the war, he answered repeated calls to service and alarms across Rhode Island.

In February 1777, he served in Capt. Jeremiah Austin’s Company. He later served under Capt. Michael Spencer after being hired by Joseph Whitman and was drafted into service under Capt. Sam C. Hopkins at North Kingstown and later in Tiverton, RI in October 1777.

George Potter of West Greenwich later testified that Job Harrington completed approximately 14 to 15 months of service during the Revolution. Records show he was drafted four times in 1778, four times in 1779, and four times in 1780, while also responding to military alarms throughout the war.

Several sworn depositions later confirmed his Revolutionary War service:
• Benjamin Green of Coventry testified to Job’s March 1777 service.
• Stephen Breen testified to his 33 days of service under Capt. Alexander Hopkins.
• William Green, himself a pensioner, confirmed Job’s service in June 1777.
• Silas James of West Greenwich also confirmed knowledge of Job’s Revolutionary War service.

In 1790, Job Harrington served as an Ensign of the West Greenwich Company. His name appeared on the Rhode Island Civil and Military Lists and on the Revolutionary War Pension Rolls.

Most notably, he was the only Job Harrington to receive a Revolutionary War pension.

Capt. Job Harrington IV passed away on June 30, 1840, in West Greenwich. He is interned in the Job Harrington Lot, also known as WG-047.

As we approach America’s 250th Anniversary, we proudly remember and honor Capt. Job Harrington IV for his service, sacrifice, and dedication to the cause of American independence.

“Molasses” Pardon Tillinghast Esq.
DAR #A115490

“Molasses” Pardon Tillinghast Esq. was born on June 3, 1718, the son of John Tillinghast and Anne Greene.

He married Hannah Stafford in Warwick on November 30, 1740. Hannah was the daughter of Samuel Stafford and Hannah Bennett. Together, Pardon and Hannah had nine children: Stutely, Pardon, John, Mary, Samuel, Thomas, Barbara, Marcy, and Hannah.

Pardon was closely connected to his grandfather, Pardon Tillinghast 2nd, who deeded him the family farm when Pardon was only three years old. That farm, later confirmed in his grandfather’s will, was located in the part of East Greenwich that later became West Greenwich.

Pardon held several public offices in West Greenwich, including Justice of the Peace. He was also a successful businessman, including in the production of rum from molasses. This earned him the nickname “Molasses Pardon,”helping distinguish him from the many other men named Pardon Tillinghast.

He also served as pastor of the General Six Principal Baptist Church in East Greenwich.

During the Revolutionary War, “Molasses” Pardon Tillinghast served as a member of the Committee of Safety for West Greenwich, as documented in Bartlett, Records of the State of Rhode Island, Vol. 7, p. 453, and Vol. 8, p. 377.

When he died on August 30, 1810, Pardon left a sizable estate valued at nearly $28,000, excluding real estate. He is interred in the “Molasses” Pardon Tillinghast Lot, also known as WG-078.

🇺🇸 George Potter
DAR Patriot #: A091595

George Potter was born on March 28, 1761, in Rhode Island. He was the son of Ezekiel Potter and Phebe Whitford. On April 24, 1796, he married Phebe Caroline Pincher, the daughter of John Pincher and Mary Carr. Together they raised six children: Mary, John, Hannah, Ezekiel, Zilpha, and Rachel.

During the American Revolution, George Potter proudly served his country as a Private in the Rhode Island 2nd Regiment under Captains Benedict Colvin and Samuel Hopkins, serving under Colonel Brown. He later served as a Sergeant in Topham’s Regiment and Battalion of State Troops, demonstrating his continued commitment to the Patriot cause during the struggle for American independence.

George Potter was a respected member of the West Greenwich community and lived to witness the growth of the nation he helped secure. He passed away on January 28, 1837, at the age of 75.

Today, George Potter rests in the George Potter Lot (WG-112), located within the Big River Management Area. His service and sacrifice remain an important part of West Greenwich’s Revolutionary War heritage.

As America commemorates the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution, the West Greenwich Preservation and Heritage Commission is honored to recognize and remember the men and women whose dedication helped secure our nation’s independence.

🇺🇸 We remember George Potter and his service to the cause of liberty. 🇺🇸

🇺🇸 Major Joseph James 🇺🇸 

Joseph James was born on May 13, 1753. He was the son of John R. James and Margaret Eldridge. On January 16, 1774, he married Elizabeth Greene, the daughter of Benjamin Greene and Mercy Ann Rogers. Together, they had nine known children: Sarah, Waterman, Lois, Silas, Elizabeth, Mary, Peregrine (“Perry”), Mercy, and Joseph II.

He enlisted in October 1775 and served three months as a private in Captain Joseph Draper’s Rhode Island Company at East Greenwich.

In January 1776, he enlisted again and served one year and three months as a sergeant in Captain Thomas Gorton’s Company under Colonel Christopher Lippitt’s Rhode Island Regiment. During this period, he was stationed at Newport, Rhode Island; White Plains, New York; Trenton, Morristown, and Brunswick, New Jersey.

He later served four months at Quidnessett Neck, North Kingstown, Rhode Island, spending part of his service in Captain Hopkins’ Rhode Island Company and part in Captain Benjamin Gordon’s Company. He also served as a lieutenant in Captain Joseph Draper’s West Greenwich militia company and was called upon as a replacement in Colonel Waterman’s Rhode Island Regiment at Tiverton.

In August 1778, he served in Colonel Cason’s Regiment at Newport during General Sullivan’s Expedition. Two years later, in August 1780, he answered another call to duty and served at Bristol, Rhode Island, in Captain Job Angell’s Company.

Joseph James died on February 3, 1795, at the age of 41. He is buried in the Major Joseph James Lot, also known as WG-102, located on the Alton Jones Campus in West Greenwich.

As our nation commemorates the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution, we proudly remember and honor Major Joseph James for his dedicated service, sacrifice, and commitment to American independence. His legacy continues to be an important part of the history and heritage of West Greenwich.

🇺🇸 West Greenwich’s Revolutionary War Soldiers Profile, we remember the life and service of Silas James Esq.

Silas James Esq. was born on March 20, 1758. He was the son of John R. James and Margaret Eldridge, and the brother of Maj. Joseph James, who was featured last week in our Revolutionary War Soldier profile. 

On January 1, 1786, he married Phebe Tillinghast, the daughter of Charles Tillinghast and Abigail Allen. Together, they had six known children: Abigail, Dr. Silas James II, Marcy, John, Charles, and Giles.

 During the American Revolutionary War, Silas served as a Sergeant under Captain Benjamin Hoppin in Colonel John Topham’s Regiment and Battalion. He participated in the Battle of Rhode Island, answering the call to defend the cause of American independence and helping secure the freedoms we enjoy today.

 Silas James Esq., also holds a unique place in West Greenwich’s history as the grandfather of Charles T. James (1846–1868) and Silas James (1836–1868), two members of West Greenwich’s infamous “James Gang.” In September 1868, the pair was hanged in Worcester, Massachusetts, for the homicide of Joseph G. Clarke. Their story serves as a reminder that even families with deep roots in patriotism and public service can leave behind complex and contrasting legacies.

Silas James Esq. died on December 25, 1836, in West Greenwich, Rhode Island. He is buried in the Silas James Lot, also known as WG-101.

🇺🇸 As we commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution, we honor Silas James Esq. and all West Greenwich’s Revolutionary War patriots. By preserving their burial grounds and sharing their stories, we ensure that their sacrifices and contributions to our nation’s founding will never be forgotten. 🇺🇸

🇺🇸 Joseph Bailey (1756–1841)
DAR Patriot #: A004714

Joseph Bailey was born on September 1, 1756, in West Greenwich, Rhode Island. He was the son of Caleb Bailey and Mary Godfrey. In 1777, he married Elizabeth Vaughn Hall, daughter of Robert Hall and Sarah Matteson. Together they raised a large family of thirteen known children over a span of twenty-seven years: Sarah, Waity, Phebe, Jeremiah, William, Vincent, Mary, Curnel, Elizabeth, Joseph (who was born and died in the same year), Joseph II, Eunice, and Amey.

🇺🇸 In continuing to profile West Greenwich’s Revolutionary War soldiers as we commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution, we honor Joseph Bailey for his service and dedication to the cause of American independence.

Joseph began his Revolutionary War service in December 1775, serving two months at East Greenwich under Captain Jeremiah Austin’s Company in Colonel Nathaniel Brown’s Regiment. In February 1776, he served another month in the same company and regiment. In August 1776, he enlisted for one month under Captain Benjamin Gorton in Colonel Nathaniel Brown’s Regiment, followed by an additional two-month term beginning in October 1776 under the same officers.

In May 1777, Joseph served for two months in Captain Hopkins’ Company. He continued his military service in 1778, serving three months in Captain Hopkins’ Company under Colonel Nathaniel Brown’s Regiment. Through multiple enlistments and periods of active duty, Joseph answered the call to defend the liberties of the American colonies during their struggle for independence.

🇺🇸 Joseph Bailey died on March 29, 1841, in West Greenwich at the age of 84. He is buried in the Caleb Bailey Lot (WG-085), where his memory remains as a testament to the sacrifices made by the men and women who helped secure the freedoms we enjoy today.

As we remember Joseph Bailey and the many other patriots of West Greenwich, we honor their courage, service, and commitment to the founding of our nation. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Jacob Lewis Jr. (1749–1837)

Jacob Lewis Jr. was born on December 21, 1749, in West Greenwich, Rhode Island. He was the son of Jacob Lewis and Prudence Lewis.

On November 26, 1780, he married Hannah Wilcox in West Greenwich. Together, they raised thirteen known children: Isaiah, Jacob III, Prudence, Oliver, Dorcus, Hannah, Job, Randall, and four infants who sadly passed away before reaching their first birthday.

🇺🇸 During America’s fight for independence, Jacob Lewis Jr. answered the call to serve his country. He served in Captain Benjamin Gorton’s Company under the command of Major General John Sullivan, contributing to the struggle that secured American independence.

Following the war, Jacob returned to West Greenwich, where he continued to live and raise his family. He remained a respected member of the community throughout his long life.

Jacob Lewis Jr. died on May 23, 1837, at the age of 87. He is buried in the Jacob Lewis Lot (WG-018) on Breakheart Hill Road in West Greenwich.

As we commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution, we proudly honor Jacob Lewis Jr. for his service and sacrifice in helping establish the freedoms we enjoy today. His legacy lives on through his descendants and through the continued preservation of West Greenwich’s historic cemeteries.

🇺🇸 Lest We Forget. 🇺🇸

🇺🇸 Capt. John Tillinghast (1756–1802)

Captain John Tillinghast was born in West Greenwich on November 4, 1756. He was the son of Thomas Tillinghast, Esq., and Mary Thomas.

On January 26, 1777, he married Phebe Tillinghast, the daughter of Benjamin Tillinghast and Sarah James. Together they had seven known children: Mary, Sarah, Benjamin, Thomas, Phebe, John II, and Elizabeth.

During the American Revolution, John Tillinghast served under Captain Joseph Hopkins in the Alarm Company and later under Captain Peter Wright’s Company in the regiment commanded by Colonels Dynes and Noyes. He also served in Captain Stephen Weightman’s 5th Company, Colonel Dyer’s 2nd Rhode Island Regiment, further demonstrating his commitment to the cause of American independence.

Captain John Tillinghast died in West Greenwich on July 11, 1802, at the age of 45. He is buried in the Capt. John Tillinghast Lot, also known as WG-121.

As we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, we are proud to remember Captain John Tillinghast and the many men and women whose sacrifices helped secure the independence of our nation. 🇺🇸

Beriah Hopkins (1737–1820)

Beriah Hopkins was born in West Greenwich in 1737. He was the son of Judge Samuel Hopkins and Honor Brown.

He first married Mary Reynolds, the daughter of James Reynolds and Elizabeth Jones. Together they had two known children: Lucy and Beriah II, who died as an infant. Following Mary’s death, Beriah married Mary (Harrington) Greene on September 2, 1798. Mary was the daughter of Job Harrington III and Rebecca Carr and the widow of Jonathan Greene. Beriah and Mary had no known children together.

During America’s fight for independence, Beriah served alongside his brother, Ebenezer Hopkins, in Captain Joseph Hopkins’ Company under Colonel Archibald Kasson in the 2nd Regiment, Kent County Militia.

Before the American Revolution, Beriah also served during the French and Indian War. In 1762, he held the rank of Ensign in Captain Tew’s Company and commanded the second detachment that marched to Albany, New York.

Beriah Hopkins died in West Greenwich on June 26, 1820, at the age of 83.

An interesting piece of West Greenwich history appears in Town Council Book 6:106, dated September 25, 1820:

“It was voted that Peleg Arnold be permitted to take up the remains of Beriah Hopkins deceased, and rebury him by the side of his first wife, Agreeable to this request in his lifetime, he having been buried by the side of another person by mistake.”

Today, Beriah Hopkins rests peacefully beside his first wife in the Beriah Hopkins Lot, also known as WG-045, in West Greenwich.

🇺🇸 Today, we honor Beriah Hopkins for his dedicated service to our nation in both the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. His commitment to defending his community and country in two conflicts helped shape the freedoms we enjoy today, and his legacy continues to be remembered with gratitude and respect. 🇺🇸

Isaac Johnson, Esq.
SAR Patriot #: 41169

Isaac Johnson, Esq. was born in West Greenwich on April 10, 1721. On May 5, 1744, he married Audry Spencer, the daughter of William Spencer and Elizabeth Rice. Together, they had three known children: Nicholas, Elizabeth, and Benjamin.

According to Vital Statistics of Rhode Island, Volume 1, page 41, Isaac Johnson was over 50 years of age at the time of the American Revolution. Despite his age, he answered the call to serve his country. He was made a Freeman of West Greenwich in 1744 and served as a Deputy for West Greenwich from 1769 to 1770.

During the Revolutionary War, Isaac served in the 12th Regiment of the Rhode Island Militia and later as a Major in the 2nd Regiment of the Rhode Island State Militia. In 1780, he also served as a recruiting officer, helping to strengthen Rhode Island's forces during the fight for American independence.

Isaac Johnson, Esq. died in West Greenwich on June 14, 1801, at the age of 80. He is buried in the Isaac Johnson Lot, also known as WG-039.

Today, we honor Major Isaac Johnson, Esq. for his dedicated service to both West Greenwich and the cause of American independence. 🇺🇸

Benjamin Tillinghast (1726–1817)

Continuing our series profiling the Revolutionary War Patriots of West Greenwich, we recognize Benjamin Tillinghast, a civic leader whose service to his town and the Patriot cause came through public office and support of the war effort. 🇺🇸

Benjamin Tillinghast was born on September 20, 1726. He was the son of John Tillinghast and Phebe Greene, the daughter of Thomas Greene and Anne Greene. On June 12, 1746, he married Sarah James, the daughter of Joseph James and Elizabeth Reynolds. Together, they had six known children: James, Welthon, Elizabeth, John, Phebe, and Sarah.

During the American Revolution, Benjamin Tillinghast served his community as a member of the West Greenwich Town Council from 1775 to 1781 and as a Justice of the Peace. In July 1780, the Rhode Island General Assembly appointed him to procure blankets for Rhode Island soldiers serving in the war, an important responsibility that helped provide essential supplies to the Continental forces. His name also appears in the Civil and Military List of Rhode Island, 1647–1800 (page 326) under Kent County, recognizing his public service during the Revolutionary era.

Historical records also show that Benjamin Tillinghast enslaved an African American man named Cuff, who appears on the 1778 roster associated with the Rhode Island Black Regiment. In February 1778, the Rhode Island General Assembly authorized the enlistment of enslaved African American men into the Continental Army. Under the law, enslaved men who enlisted with the permission of their owners were immediately granted their freedom, and their owners received financial compensation from the state. More than 100 Black men, along with Native American and mixed-race soldiers, served in what became known as the Rhode Island Black Regiment, one of the first racially integrated military units in American history. 🇺🇸 The regiment distinguished itself in several engagements, including the Battle of Rhode Island in August 1778, where its soldiers earned praise for their courage, discipline, and determination while helping repel repeated British assaults.

While little is known today about Cuff's personal life, his name survives in the historical record because of his service to the cause of American independence. Like many Black Patriots, he risked his life in pursuit of both liberty for the nation and his own freedom. His service is an important part of West Greenwich's Revolutionary War story and deserves to be remembered alongside those of the town's other Patriots.

Benjamin Tillinghast died on July 18, 1817, at the age of 90. He is buried in the Benjamin Tillinghast Lot, also known as WG-035.

🇺🇸 Today, we honor Benjamin Tillinghast for his leadership and public service in support of the Patriot cause, and we also honor Cuff for his courage and sacrifice as a soldier of the Rhode Island Black Regiment. Though history has preserved only a small part of Cuff's story, his contribution to the fight for American independence remains a lasting part of West Greenwich's Revolutionary legacy.

🇺🇸 We honor the service and sacrifice of both Benjamin Tillinghast and Cuff, whose contributions helped shape the story of our town and our nation's fight for independence. 🇺🇸