Peartree began his career as a planter in Jamaica in the Caribbean and , during King William 's War with France , had success as a privateer . After Port Royal , Jamaica sank into the sea in the earthquake of 1692 , Peartree moved back to New York City much enriched from his depredation upon Spanish and French shipping . When Queen Anne 's War began in 1702 , William Peartree was elected mayor in 1703 , as New Yorkers saw fit to elect an experienced naval captain to defend the town . He served as mayor until 1707 and died in 1714
earthquake of 1692
1692 Jamaica earthquake
William Peartree