William Ellery, the son of a gentleman of the same name, was born at Newport, on the 22d day of
December, 1727. His ancestors were originally from Bristol, in England, whence they emigrated to America
during the latter part of the seventeenth century, and took up their residence at Newport, in Rhode Island.
" During the year that the British army under General Piggot took possession of Newport, where they fortified themselves, and continued their head quarters for some time, the inhabitants sustained much injury in their property. Mr. Ellery shared in the common loss, his dwelling house being burned, and other destruction of property occasioned. " [colonialhall.com]
Mr. Ellery continued a member of congress until the year 1785, and indeed, through that year, when he
retired to his native state. Soon after, however, he was elected by congress, a commissioner of the
continental loan office, to which was subsequently added, by the citizens of Rhode Island, the office of chief
justice of their superior court, a station which he did not continue to hold long. On the organization of the
federal government, he received from General Washington the appointment of collector of the customs for
the town of Newport, an office which he retained during the remainder of his life
. [Source: Rev. Charles A. Goodrich Lives of the Signers to the Declaration of Independence. New York: William Reed & Co., 1856. Pages 183-186. (Some minor spelling changes may have been made.)]
Thames Street, Newport, RI
nice site..newport is special
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