Naval constructor; born in
Greensboro, Ala., Aug. 17, 1870; graduated at the
United States Naval Academy in 1889; and then took a post-graduate course in the Ecole d'application du Genie Maritime,
Paris.
Returning to the
United States, he served in the Bureau of Construction and Repairs of the Navy Department in 1894-95.
Later he suggested a post-graduate course for officers intending to become naval constructors, and was appointed to
plan such a course, and conducted it in 1897-98.
In the latter year he went to sea with the North Atlantic squadron as constructor.
When the war with
Spain broke out he was promoted lieutenant, and served on the flag-ship
New York on blockade duty, in the bombardment of
Matanzas, Cuba, and in the naval expedition against
San Juan, Porto Rico.
The action, however, which made his name a synonym for gallantry occurred at the entrance of the harbor of
Santiago,
Cuba, after
Admiral Cervera's fleet was positively known to be in that harbor.
Taking seven men with him, he piloted the collier
Merrimac to the narrow entrance of the harbor, and sank her across its
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mouth to prevent the fleet from passing out. He and his party leaped overboard; were picked up by the Spaniards; and held prisoners for a few weeks, receiving kind treatment by order of
Admiral Cervera.
After the destruction of
Cervera's fleet he was ordered to
Manila to take charge of the raising and repairing of the Spanish vessels sunk by
Admiral Dewey.
He returned to the
United States in 1901.
He is the author of
The disappearing gun afloat;
The sinking of the Merrimac, etc.
