John Banister, detail
by Gilbert Stuart, ca. 1775
Oil on canvas, 36" x 30"
Redwood Library Painting
Collection
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John Banister
b. Boston, MA, June 7, 1707
d. Middletown, RI, November 10, 1767
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Wealthy merchant, businessman, and owner of wharf property in Newport;
engaged in privateering and smuggling.
Marries Hermione Pelham, a descendant of Governor Benedict Arnold, at Trinity
Church on November 14, 1737.
Due to marriage, large tracts of real estate come into his ownership: property
along Pelham Street, Old Stone Mill, and what is now known as Touro Park.
Banister is the brother-in-law of Peter Harrison.
Banister owns a house (built by him) in Newport and two country homes located
near One Mile Corner. The country homes no longer exist.
Dating from 1751, the Newport house is located on the northeast corner
of Spring and Pelham Streets. During the British occupation of Newport,
it becomes the headquarters of the very unpopular General Prescott, in
command of the English forces.
In Banister's will, the majority is left to sons Thomas and John. John
(Newport, February 1, 1745 - Newport, 1807), a Harvard graduate (class
of 1764) and Newport merchant, becomes owner of the family residence.
The John Banister House, also known as Prescott House, now operates as
an inn; in Newport the Bannister [sic] Wharf area is the center of the
downtown tourist district.
The Banister family remains are interned in the family plot at the Arnold
Burying Ground on Pelham Street.
Redwood Library has in its collection two Banister portraits: John, the
younger, 1775, and his wife Christian with their son, 1774-75. Both are
by Gilbert Stuart.
© 1997-2004 Redwood Library
This material may not be reproduced or distributed without permission.
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