Stringham, Silas H. (1798-1876)

Name:

Stringham, Silas H. (1798-1876)

Title:

Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy
USS Stringham (TB-19, namesake)
USS Stringham (DD-83/APD-6, namesake)

Other Names:

Stringham, Silas Horton

Born:

11/07/1798

Birthplace:

Middletown, NY

Died:

02/07/1876

Death Location:

Brooklyn, NY

Residence:

Middletown, NY
Brooklyn, NY

Nationality:

American

Occupation:

Naval officer

Notes:

Noined Navy as midshipman at age 11 (1809).
Served aboard USS President during War of 1812. Participated in battles with HMS Little Belt (05/16/1811) and Belvidera (06/23/1812).
Served aboard USS Spark during campaign against the Algerian Corsairs (c. 1815?-1821?).
Served aboard USS Hornet in Carribbean (?-?{left her before Hornet sank 09/29/1829).
Promoted to Lieutenant (1814) Commander (1831) Captain (1841).
Commandant, New York Navy Yard, 1844-6.
Participated in bombardment of Veracruz (03/09/1847 - 03/21/1847).
Commanding Officer, Norfolk Navy Yard, 1848-1852.
Flag Officer in Mediteranean Squadron, 1853-1856.
Commanding Officer, Boston Navy Yard, 1856-1861.
Became adviser to President Buchanan, 1861. Recommended reinforcing Fort Sumter.
Became Flag Officer in North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, 05/01/1861.
Commanded operation to capture Confederate batteries in Hatteras Inlet, NC, 08/28-29/1861. Notable for keeping bombarding ships in motion rather than stationary (relatively new tactic).
Soon after asked to be relieved of command.
Promoted to Rear Admiral while on retired list, 07/1862.
Resumed command at Boston Navy Yard until end of war.
Served as Port Admiral for New York, NY, for a period after the war.
Died in Brooklyn, NY. Buried in Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn.