Jacob Rodriguez de Rivera

Jacob Rodriguez Rivera, a member of a converso family fromSeville, Spain arrived in Newport in 1748, after some time spent inCuracao where he had married Hannah Pimental Sasportas. Naturalized,like his father, Abraham, in New York, Rivera was able to participatein the Atlantic shipping and bustling trade coming through Newport,unfettered by Rhode Island’s restrictions on Jews.

Riverawas to become the second wealthiest and most powerful man inNewport’s Jewish community, surpassed only by his cousin AaronLopez, who became his son-in-law as well after marryingRivera’s daughter Sarah.

Riverawas responsible for the introduction of spermaceti candle making inthe area and founded the United Company of Spermaceti Candlers,created to control cost and distribution.

Aleader of Newport’s Jewish community, Rivera, acting in trust forcongregation Jeshuat Israel, acquired the land for the synagogue. Hewould also donate, in conjunction with Lopez, ten thousand feet oflumber for construction at Rhode Island College, now BrownUniversity.

Jacob Rodriguez de Rivera

c. 1774–1775