His full name is Captain Theophilus Stanton Jr. (1703 – 1778), aka “Theo” to family and friends – and he is my 2nd cousin (9 x Removed). Otherwise put, “Theo” is nine generations senior. Theo's Dad is Theophilus Stanton Sr. (b.1676) and his paternal Grandfather is Captain John Stanton (d.1713), a son of Thomas Staton Sr. and the full brother of our family ancestor Thomas Stanton Jr. (d.1718). Captain John Stanton (d.1713) and Thomas Stanton Jr. (d.1718) are the eldest sons of Mr. Thomas Stanton Sr. (d.1677) and Mrs. Ann Lord-Stanton (d.1688) of Stonington, Connecticut.
Theophilus “Theo” Stanton is therefore a Great-Grandson of our aforementioned British-American Colonial progenitor Thomas Stanton Sr. (d.1677). “Theo” served as a Connecticut Militia private soldier during the 1756 Campaign, in Captain Billings' Eight Company, Major General Lyman's First Regiment during the French and Indian War. In adulthood it seems obvious that “Theo” Stanton was mainly engaged in maritime employment operating from several Southeast Connecticut ports.
Second cousin Captain “Theo” is also a Revolutionary War naval officer, first appointed 23 Mar 1776 as Commanding Officer of Connecticut State Navy Row Galley SHARK. Row galleys are built with both sails and with oars, and thus are very maneuverable small ships. SHARK had a crew of about 50 souls including 23 sailors, 23 marines and 4 officers when fully manned. The captain's salary was set at 7 pounds per month ($1850/mo. today). On 19 Jun 1776, Theo's 2nd cousin Amos Stanton was appointed Second Lieutenant and named Lieutenant of Marines aboard SHARK. Amos is our 3rd cousin (8x Removed) and the Great-Great Grandson of colonial progenitor Thomas Stanton Sr. * More on Amos Stanton in footnote.
A Typical Row Galley In Battle
SHARK was built and outfitted by ship builder J. Lester on the Thames River in Norwich Connecticut. The galley's keel length is 60 feet, breadth is 18 feet, depth in hold is 5 feet, 57 tons capacity, and had four 9-pounder cannons installed. One reports states two 9-pounder cannons were later replaced with two 18-pounder cannons. SHARK was commissioned in early July 1776 and first ordered to New Haven and then sailed to the waters off Stonington, Connecticut. On request of General Washington, in late July 1776 Connecticut Governor Trumbull directed SHARK in company with Connecticut Navy Row Galleys Crane and Whiting to sail for New York and placed under Washington's direction. In August 1776 SHARK and four other row galleys engaged British warships in two Hudson River actions – First and Second Battles of the Tappen Zee. A more significant action was thereafter engaged 9 October 1776 “Forcing The Hudson” action against superior British Naval Forces – Frigates HMS PHOENIX [44 guns], HMS TARTAR [28 guns], and HMS ROBUCK [44 guns], supported by HMS Schooner TRYAL and two supply tenders HMS PEMBROKE and HMS SHULDHAM, both tenders are converted warships. At “Forcing The Hudson” the experienced British Naval Forces are noted far better trained and better supported with assets totaling six large ships, configured with more than 116 guns, and 760 sailors; whereas, the inferior Continental Naval Forces totaled 7 small row galley ships, 19 guns, and about 300 sailors. Not surprisingly, the British Forces prevailed! SHARK, as then accompanied by one or two row galleys escaped up river to a Peekskill, New York location where her Connecticut crew was relieved in late 1776, SHARK then placed under the upkeep care of ship's carpenter Mr. Roger Fanning and a couple of ship's company sailors. She was then officially transferred to the Continental Army in 1777 and was later captured or burned by British Forces.
Captain “Theo” Stanton remained in service to the Revolution when named master and commander of the American Sloop Patty (a single mast ship), engaged in supply trade between the West Indies and northeastern American shores. On November 13, 1777, Captain Stanton, crew, and ship returned to New London, Connecticut – “much shattered from a combat with a British ship of 14 guns.” Captain Theophilus Stanton, Jr. died 16 May 1778 in Connecticut. His will dated July 1777 is probated in Groton in 1778. Theo's internment site is currently unknown.
"Rouse the People to see their Danger. Stir them up by all that is dear in this life. Our Wives, our Children, our Property, our Liberty is at Stake."
-- by Colonel Samuel Selden, Lyme, Connecticut.
American Colonel Samuel Seldon is a veteran of The Battle Of Long Island [1776] and a Revolutionary War POW "...after languishing in prison about one month being taken the 17th day of Sept. 1776, and carried into New York and there kept close prioner until he expired."
[Died 11 Oct 1776 aboard a British prison ship in New York Harbor, probably buried in mass grave at Fort Green Park, Brooklyn, NY with 11,000+ Prison Ship Martyrs]. Colonel Samuel Selden is a 1st cousin, 8xRemoved, the grandson of our 8th Great Grandfather Joseph Selden (1651-1724) formally of East Haddam, Connecticut Colony.
* In February 1777, Amos Stanton was appointed a 1st Lieutenant in Connecticut's Continental Line and on 9 Nov 1777 named Captain Connecticut Line and 6th Company Commander, in COL Sherburne's 2nd Connecticut Line Regiment (active-duty Continentals). Captain Amos Stanton served honorably for more than three years active duty as a Connecticut Continental Soldier. Amos was KIA by British Forces on 6 Sep 1781 during The Battle of Groton Heights. More information about Captain Amos Stanton [d.1781] available from a 2019 posting, click and view HERE
Compiled from public domain and copyrighted references for the educational and non-profit use of readers by DJ Paul, February 2025.
