John Gano

John Gano was an American Baptist minister, patriot, and soldier who served during the American Revolutionary War. He is recognized for founding the First Baptist Church in the City of New York and for his service as a chaplain in the Continental Army, including participation in General George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River. Allegations that he baptized Washington have been widely circulated, though they remain historically disputed. Gano later served as the First Chaplain of the Kentucky Legislature in 1798. Several of his descendants would go on to serve as military officers, ministers, and important figures in U.S. history.