Born at Port Penn, Delaware, August 4, 1843, he was educated in Philadelphia Public Schools, 1848-53, in private schools, Elizabeth, New Jersey, 1853-59. He married Evelyn Manderson, October 1871. He was appointed an Acting Master’s Mate, March 8, 1862; Master, Regular Service, March 1868; Lieutenant, December 1868; Lieutenant Commander, May 1876; Commander, January 1887; Captain, February 1899; Rear Admiral, retired, April 1901.
He commanded the USS Wyandank in the Potomac Flotilla and the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron during the Civil War. A senior officer credited him with “zealous and efficient conduct” in helping to run aground and destroy two blockade runners in February 1864. He also participated in the Naval attack on Fort Fisher, December 1864 and February 1865. In 1866 he was appointed Master. At the end of a distinguished career, he became a Rear Admiral on April 13, 1901, the day that he retired.
He died at Twilight Park, New York, on August 13, 1915 and was buried in Section 2 of Arlington National Cemetery.
His private monument reads:
“A good soldier of Jesus Christ.”
MC GOWAN, JOHN
- R/ADM USNAVY RET
- DATE OF DEATH: 08/13/1915
- BURIED AT: SECTION ED W- SITE 961
- ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
Michael Robert Patterson was born in Arlington and is the son of a former officer of the US Army. So it was no wonder that sooner or later his interests drew him to American history and especially to American military history. Many of his articles can be found on renowned portals like the New York Times, Washingtonpost or Wikipedia.
Reviewed by: Michael Howard