Background
William Rotch was born in Nantucket, Massachussets, the son of Joseph and Love (Macy) Rotch. He was the grandson of William Rotch who was in Salem, Massachussets, before 1692.
- Photos
- Works
- Photos
- Works
book
Memorandum Written by William Rotch in the Eightieth Year of His Age
(This work has been selected by scholars as being cultural...)
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
https://www.amazon.com/Memorandum-Written-William-Rotch-Eightieth/dp/1359232915?SubscriptionId=AKIAJRRWTH346WSPOAFQ&tag=prabook-20&linkCode=sp1&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=1359232915
William Rotch
Edit ProfileCareer
With his wife's father Rotch amassed wealth in the whale fishery, continuing at Nantucket after the elder man had removed to New Bedford, Massachussets Although he suffered a loss of $60, 000 by the Revolution, his abhorrence of war led him on one occasion to cast a large consignment of bayonets into the sea.
British depredations afloat and ashore during hostilities threatened the very existence of the island town, until a committee led by Rotch obtained promises of future safety from the King's officers at Newport and New York, a procedure that brought about the impeachment of the delegation by the Massachusetts authorities for high treason, although they were not convicted. In 1783 Rotch's ship Bedford entered the Thames flying the American flag, probably the first display of "the rebellious stripes of America" in any British port.
When, after the Revolution, the American whale fishery was virtually ruined through the heavy duty imposed on sperm oil by Great Britain, he attempted to establish an enterprise in England. He had fruitless interviews to that end in 1785 with Pitt and Lord Hawkesbury, who refused concessions yet relented after the Quaker merchant had succeeded in founding a prosperous business in Dunkirk, France. When certain civil and religious questions affecting the Friends required decision by the French National Assembly Rotch's earnest plea before that body, where he persisted in wearing his hat, drew a friendly reply from Mirabeau.
The subsequent Reign of Terror drove him back to America in 1794. When he was eighty he wrote a brief record of his experiences in these eventful years, Memorandum Written by William Rotch (1916 and in New-England Historical and Genealogical Register, July 1877-Oct. 1878).
Achievements
-
William Rotch was prominent merchant in the whaling industry. He was also the owner of the famous ship “Bedford, ” which first displayed the American flag in British waters; this was in Downs February 3, 1783. The Rotch ships had been known the world over. Their owner had made numerous friends among prominent merchants and men in public life in this country and abroad. To his imposing "Mansion House" came a stream of distinguished guests, including the Duc de la Rochefoucauld. He was an influential factor in the Yearly Meeting of Friends and became a loyal patron of the Friends school in Providence, R. I, in later years the Moses Brown School.
Works
book
-
Memorandum Written by William Rotch in the Eightieth Year of His Age
(This work has been selected by scholars as being cultural...)
-
Memorandum Written by William Rotch in the Eightieth Year of His Age
Connections
On October 31, 1754, Rotch married Elizabeth Barney, the daughter of Benjamin Barney of Nantucket. His son, William Rotch, Jr. was engaged in maritime and other commercial ventures of an extensive character.
References
-
Born
-
Died
May 16, 1828 (aged 94) -
Nationality
American