-
John Paul is born in Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland to John Paul Sr. and Jean Duff Paul. He acquires the "Jones" in his name as we know it later on.
-
After being home-schooled for his whole life, he finally lands a job at the age of twelve on the ship, "Friendship" as an apprentice. this happens in Fredricksburg, Virginia. The captain of the crew, though unknown, recognized John as a very hardworker. The captain gave John a view of the sea that he instantly fell in love with. This may have been the reason John became so close to the Seas.
-
John, after working a long time on the "Friendship", decides to become co-captain of the slave ship, "King George".
-
John Paul Sr. passes away. Before his death though, He sent John Paul Jr. many letters to tell him to pursue his dream of being a naval captain or anything that involves working in the water.
-
John Paul takes the name John Paul Jones and plans on being a Virginian farmer.
-
John Paul Jones has been given command of the ship, "Providence." He gained status of captain after meeting with John Hancock.
-
John captures 8 british "prizes" and destorys 8 ships while escaping other lrger warships.
-
Aothough he had a perfect record at the sea, he was ranked number 28 on the list of captains to lead the continental Navy.
-
After the embarrassing list, John is re-assigned to lead the ship, "Ranger".
-
The Ranger sets sail for France with plan to pick up new heavy ship L'indien being made for America in France.
-
After almost a year , JPJ meets Ambassador Ben Franklin in France and discovers that the "L'indien" is not available. But the Ranger becomes first US ship recognized by foreign power.
-
The "Ranger" sinks, burns and captures ships along the Irish coast. This was the first American vessel to capture British man of war HMS Drake.
-
The "Bonhomme Richard" was struck and JPJ watches her sink. He sails the "Serapis" to Holland.
-
JPJ commands the ship, "Alliance" and sails to france where he is highly praised. He now holds 500 prisoners of war.
-
JPJ is now given command of ship America in Portsmouth, which he finds only half built. he pushes builder John Langdon to complete the magnificient ship in the making. He also recieves a Commander's coat, to show who is boss by John Langdon.
-
John returns to Philadelphia quite ill. He also petitions Congress unsuccessfully for advanced rank and back wages.
-
John sails to France as official US Congress "prize agent" to recover unpaid income from prizes won in battle. He spends years in France and gets some promised reparation for himself and past crews.
-
He returns to United States to collect settlement, but still cannot improve military rank. He also recieves an offer of Major General rank in Russian navy is received.
-
JPJ Makes "secret" journey to Denmark for payment of overdue prizes. Unsuccessful there, but accepts Russian offer. Sails from Stockholm.
-
John finally returns to Paris during French Revolution. He is offered a military commission by George Washington. but In ill health, he does not accept.
-
John Paul Jones dies in Paris at age 45 and is buried in small private ceremony. In 1905 his body is transferred to US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He never married.
