Stonewall John

[4][5] Early in his life Stonewall John purportedly worked for Richard Smith who had a trading post in what is now Wickford, Rhode Island.

"[9] In addition to being a mason, Stonewall John was a "skilled... blacksmith who had built a forge inside the Narragansetts' Great Swamp village.

[11][12] Within minutes of his departure the Indians began attacking the militia troops from behind a stone wall and four days later, the Great Swamp Fight occurred nearby.

[13] While evacuating from Providence, Roger Williams encountered a group of Narragansett warriors about to raid the settlement, including Stonewall John.

[14] On April 1, 1676 a letter often attributed to Williams described the encounter: "Then Came one Nawham Mr R. Smiths John Wall Maker an Ingenious Fellow and peaseable...Nawwhun Said that we broke Articles and not they (as I alleadged).

Remains of stonewalls constructed by Stonewall John at Queen's Fort in Exeter
Swamp near the location Quaiapen's death in the Second Battle of Nipsachuck in what is now North Smithfield