Oliver Jillson

Oliver Jilson in 1777 was a private in Captain Jacob Fuller’s Company in Colonel John Jacob’s Massachusetts Regiment, for 7 months. In 1778 for 11 months he was a seaman in the 32-gun frigate Boston under the command of Captain Samuel Tucker. In 1779 he was a Sailing Master’s Mate to Captain Babcock in the 22 gun sloop General Mifflin for over two years. His last vessel was captured by the British frigate Rolla and he was sent to Portsmouth, England, and was imprisoned for two years. His son Esek was a founding member of the Rhode Island Sons of the American Revolution.

 Francis J. Leazes, Jr., PhD, Rhode Island College