Capt. Park Benjamin (1769-1824)

He abandoned ownership of a shoemaker's shop when he was 26 and became, "Captain Park Benjamin of the good ship Prosperity, a trading sloop that traveled between Norwich, Connecticut, and British Guiana". As a Sea Captain and merchant he developed extensive interests in his native Norwich, Connecticut, and Demerara in British Guiana. In Demerara, he co-owned "La Penitence" plantation. He cleared timber to build ships and owned a fleet of ships that plied their trade between New England and Demerara. He and his brother imported cattle, lumber, and flour to Demerara and exported sugar, coffee, and rum. He was lost at sea leaving a widow and six children.