Aaron Lopez
Aaron Lopez | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1731 Lisbon, Portugal |
| Died | May 28, 1782 (aged 50-51) |
| Resting place | Newport, Rhode Island |
| Occupation(s) | Merchant, slave trader |
Aaron Lopez (born Duarte Lopez; 1731 – May 28, 1782) was a Portuguese-born merchant, slave trader, and philanthropist. Born in Lisbon into a converso family, he moved to British America, settling in the colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. Through his varied commercial ventures, Lopez became the wealthiest person in Newport, Rhode Island. In 1761 and 1762, Lopez unsuccessfully sued the colonial government of Rhode Island in an attempt to become a British subject.