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.
Birth: 25 Dec 1762 / / NY Death: 18 Aug 1828 / Providence / RI
Additional References:
DAR cite RC 554
Spouse: Cornelia Varasour Children: John Stites; Collateral; Margaret;
Members Who Share This Ancestor
None*
*This means that the NSSAR has no applications for this Patriot on file.
Instead the information provided is best effort, and from volunteers who have either researched grave sites, service records, or something similar. There is no documentation available at NSSAR HQ to order.
Photos used with permission of Compatriot Mitchell Anderson, 229001, KYSSAR
Directions to Cemetery / Gravesite:
Photo: 1 of 2
Photo: 2 of 2
Author: COL Ernest Loran Sutton MC
STEPHEN GANO (P-163909)
1762-1828
Stephen Gano (December 25, 1762 – August 18, 1828) was a Revolutionary War physician and early pastor of the First Baptist Church in American in Providence, RI.
Stephen Gano was the third son born to Rev. John Gano, a prominent Baptist evangelist, and Sarah Stites. Gano was born in New York City while his father was pastoring Gold Street Baptist Church in New York. Stephen Gano planned on attending Brown University where his uncle, James Manning, was President, but the Revolutionary War prevented him from enrolling. At the age of thirteen Gano went to study medicine with his uncle, Dr. Stites.
At age 17 in 1779 Gano served briefly as a surgeon's mate in the Rhode Island Militia, then resigned to become a surgeon's mate on a privateer. Shipwrecked, marooned, and then taken prisoner by the British, he was confined in leg irons on a prison ship in New York for some time. Later after the war, he was admitted as a member of the New York Society of the Cincinnati July 4, 1784.
His father, Rev. John Gano, had previously joined the military as a chaplain (P-163911).
After the Revolution, Stephen Gano practiced medicine in Orangetown, NY and in 1782 married Cornelia Vavasour, daughter of a British officer in New York City. In 1783 he had a conversion and turned to the ministry, and in 1786 he was ordained in the Gold Street Church by his father, Dr. Manning, and other clergy. He served as a Pastor of the Baptist Church at Hillsdale, NY and then Hudson, NY. In Hudson, his wife died leaving Gano with several young children, and in 1789 he married Polly, daughter of Colonel Tallmadge in Stamford, CT. They had several more children. Gano then served as a missionary to the newly opened Northwest Territory and is credited with establishing a church at Columbia, Ohio, near present-day Cincinnati, the first Baptist church in the territory.
In 1792, Dr. Gano became the pastor of the First Baptist Church in America at Providence, RI where he remained until his death. It is the oldest Baptist church congregation in the US, founded by Roger Williams in Providence, RI in 1638.
In 1797 his wife Polly died, and in 1799 he remarried to Mary Brown, daughter of Professor Joseph Brown, of Brown University. Mary died in December 1800. Next Gano married Mrs. Joanna Latting, of Hillsdale NY, but they separated permanently in 1803 when she accused him of being a worshiper of the Devil because he was a Freemason.
Dr. Gano received the honorary degree of Master of Arts from Brown University in 1800 and was an Overseer of Brown University from 1794 until his death. He also served on the Providence School Committee for many years. Gano published several of his sermons and other writings. Gano Street in Providence takes its name from Gano’s surname.
He died at age 65 years and is buried in the North Burial Ground, Providence, RI.
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