The following information was assembled from numerous sources and cannot be used directly as proof of Qualifying Service or Lineage.
It is considered a research aid and is intended to assist in locating sources that can be used as proof.
State of Service: CT
Qualifying Service: Captain (Navy)
Captain Roger Fanning was born at Groton, CT about 1749. He was a minor of more than 14 years when his brother James Fanning was appointed his guardian. Roger learned the trade of a shipwright. He actively followed the sea and became a sea captain.
He inherited from his brother James on April 21, 1769, 13 acres of the Fanning farm at Groton.
Roger Fanning was appointed carpenter on May 30, 1776 to the row galley “Shark” one of three row galleys constructed for the Connecticut Navy and serving in New York. The “Shark” was built in Norwich, CT. The Shark’s first commander was Theophilus Stanton, but when ordered to active service, Captain Roger Fanning was appointed to command. The Shark was crewed by 50 men and had two cannons, a nine-pounder and a six-pounder. The Shark operated in the North River. Captain Roger Fanning submitted accounts for rations as commander of the Shark which were allowed on March 26, 1777. His accounts for rations amounted to 22 pounds, 11 shillings and 1 pence.
The row galley Shark was captured by the British the following summer.
Roger Fanning married Prudence Stanton at Groton, CT about 1771. They had two daughters: Freelove born about 1773 at Groton, CT and Cassandra born about 1775 at Groton. CT.
Captain Roger Fanning is supposed to have returned to Groton, CT where he died about April, 1779. His estate was inventoried at Groton on May 3, 1779.
His widow Prudence married Captain William Williams, a Revolutionary War veteran of the 8th Connecticut Regiment.
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