John Paul Jones (born John Paul; July 6, 1747 – July 18, 1792) was a Scottish-born American sailor and the United States' first well-known naval fighter in the American Revolutionary War. He made many friends and enemies among America's political elites, and his actions in British waters during the Revolution earned him an international reputation which persists to this day. As such, he is sometimes referred to as the "Father of the American Navy," an epithet that he shares with John Barry). He later served in the Imperial Russian Navy, subsequently obtaining the rank of rear admiral.
Sources struggle with this period of Jones' life, especially the specifics of his family situation, making it difficult to historically pinpoint Jones' exact motivations for emigrating to America. It is not known whether his plans were not developing as expected for the plantation, or if he was inspired by a revolutionary spirit.
What is clearly known is that Jones left for Philadelphia shortly after settling in North America to volunteer his services around 1775 to the newly founded Continental Navy, precursor to the United States Navy. During this time, the Navy and Marines were being formally established, and suitable ship's officers and captains were in great demand. Jones's potential would likely have gone unrecognized were it not for the endorsement of Richard Henry Lee, who knew of his abilities. With help from influential members of the Continental Congress, however, Jones was appointed as a 1st Lieutenant of the newly converted 24-gunfrigate USS Alfred in the Continental Navy on December 7, 1775.
Jones had many spectacular naval battles throughout his career, solidifying America as a new naval force to be reckoned with and thus earning him the moniker" Father of the American Navy".
In May 1790 Jones arrived in Paris, where he remained in retirement until his death two years later at the young age of 45. He was buried in Paris at the Saint Louis Cemetery, which belonged to the French royal family.