Jones, John Paul (adopted name of John Paul) (1747-1792)

Scottish-born American naval officer in the American Revolution 1775. Heading a small French-sponsored squadron in the Bonhomme Richard, he raided British ships in the English Channel, capturing the warship Serapis in a bloody battle off Scarborough, Yorkshire, in 1799.

Jones was born at Kirkbean, Kirkcudbright, Scotland. He was originally a trader and slaver but became a privateer in 1775, and then a commodore. After the War of Independence, he joined the Russian navy as a rear admiral in 1788, fighting against Turkey, but lost the Empress Catherine's favour and died in France.