James Hoban Sands – Rear Admiral, United States Navy

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James Hoban Sands, Rear Admiral, United States Navy, son of Benjamin F. Sands, Rear Admiral, United States Navy.

Born at Washington, D. C., 12 July, 1845; d. there 26 October, 1911. Following the footsteps of his father he achieved a high reputation in the naval service for daring and seamanship.

Appointed to the Naval Academy from Maryland in 1859, from which he graduated four years later, he served with the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron during the Civil War. While only an Ensign he was twice recommended by boards of admirals to be advanced in grade for gallantry.

After the war he had commands in the West India Squadron, and later had charge of the Brooklyn, Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington Navy Yards. He was made Rear Admiral, 11 April, 1902, and commanded at the Naval Academy, 1906-07, introducing a much needed reform in spite of opposition in many quarters. This was his last active duty as he retired in 1907 after a sea service of eighteen years and four months and a shore duty of twenty-two years.

His example as a Catholic was a strong influence in the navy in developing a spirit of tolerance towards Catholics in the service, and in making religious practices of whatever creed more respected. His wife was Mary Elizabeth Meade, of the famous Philadelphia family of that name, who became a convert. His son William Franklin was United States Minister to Guatemala, and two of his daughters, Clara and Hilda, became Religious of the Sacred Heart.

His brother, George H. Sands, Colonel, United States Army, is buried in Section 1 of Arlington National Cemetery, as is his nephew, Alfred Lawrence Pearson Sands, Colonel, United States Army.

SANDS, JAMES H
REAR ADM US NAVY RETD

  • DATE OF DEATH: 10/27/1911
  • BURIED AT: SECTION W.DIV  SITE 109-A
    ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

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