Today in history, on July 6, 1747, John Paul Jones was born in Scotland. His birth name was John Paul; he added “Jones” around 1773, a couple of years before becoming a world-renowned naval captain. Jones was living in America when the Revolutionary War began in 1775 and enthusiastically joined the fight. He was a cunning strategist who played a pivotal role on the seas. Today he’s known as the “Father of the American Navy.”

Jones had been fascinated by ships since childhood. He signed on as an apprentice with the British Merchant Navy at 13. A boat trip back to Scotland earned him his first bit of prestige at 17. Both the captain and first mate died of yellow fever, and Jones was the only person qualified to bring the ship in. The owners were so impressed that they made him master and gave him a share of cargo profits.

In 1773, Jones killed the leader of a mutiny while in the West Indies. He fled and disappeared from history for 18 months, eventually resurfacing in Virginia. It was around this time that he added “Jones” to his name. When the Revolutionary War broke out, Jones was appointed first lieutenant in the American Continental Navy. He was quickly promoted to captain.

Jones was a terror to the English coast. He boldly raided their shores, captured over twenty of their prize ships, and triumphed after three hours of the bloodiest fight in naval history. When he wasn’t on the seas, he advised the government on establishing the navy. After the Revolutionary War, Jones served as a rear admiral in the Russian Navy for two years. John Paul Jones died of kidney failure in Paris on July 18, 1792, at age 45.