John M. Dale Sponsored the USS Dale's Launching

From Ships of the U.S. Navy and Their Sponsors.

USS Dale Sloop of War

Named for Commodore Richard Dale, U.S. Navy

675 tons, 8 guns

Launched November 8, 1839 at Philadelphia Navy Yard.

SPONSOR:  Commander John M. Dale, son of Commodore Richard Dale, U.S. Navy, of Revolutionary fame.

John Gwinn was the ship's first commander.

"On the occasion of the launching, Commander Dale wore the sword presented to John Paul Jones by Louis XVI of France.

"The sword came into possession of Commodore Richard Dale after the death of John Paul Jones."

--Brock-Perry

John Gwinn, USN-- Part 1: Captured on USS Frolic

From Wikipedia.

In the last post, I wrote that the USS Dale, named for American Revolution naval hero Richard Dale, father of Midshipman Dale who I have written extensively about this past month, was commanded by John Gwinn when it was commissioned.

I hadn't heard of him before, so Wikipedia here I go.

JOHN GWINN, III

Born June 11, 1791  Died  September 1, 1849

Born in Maryland.

During the War of 1812, he was on the USS Frolic which was captured by the Royal Navy in 1814 and remained a POW or the remainder of the conflict.

Later commanded the USS Vandalia.

Later commanded the USS Constitution.

--Brock-Perry

There Were Seven Dales Who Were U.S. Navy Officers

U.S. Navy Heritage and History Command "Navy Officers 1798 to 1900."

I also looked at the list of officers with the last name of Dale and found seven of them who served back then.

Richard S. Dale, the one who died and is buried in Bermuda had two brothers according to Find A Grave.  The one, as mentioned as being also in the Navy was John Montgomery Dale.

JOHN MONTGOMERY DALE

Midshipman 18 June 182

Lieutenant   1 April 1818

Commander 12 February 1839

Died   14 December 1852

Wikipedia said that John M. Dale (1797-1852) was a captain in the U.S. Navy and eventually dedicated the sloop-of-war USS Dale in 1839 which was named in honor of his father, Richard Dale.  The Dale went on to serve a long and varied career until 1906.

The first commander of the USS Dale was John Gwinn, who was a naval officer in the War of 1812.

I was unable to find out anymore about him.

Richard Dale's other brother, Edward Crathorne Dale (1806-1866) was not listed as being in the Navy.

--Brock-Perry

Richard Dale, Sr. Used Influence to Get Sons Into U.S. Navy As Officers

From Revolutionary War Talk.

CHILDREN

RICHARD DALE, JR/

January 2, 1795 to 1815

Richard Dale, Sr. used his  not insubstantial influence within the United States Department  of the Navy to get his first two sons positions in the Navy, with the caveat that they serve on different ships.

Dale, Jr.  served aboard his father's former command, the USS President.  During the War of 1812, the President engaged  a squadron of British warships.

Richard Dale, Jr. was struck by a cannonball that severed his leg and he later died as a prisoner on the island of Bermuda.

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JOHN MONTGOMERY DALE

January 4, 1797 to December 15, 1852.

Served as  a captain within the U.S. Navy and eventually dedicated the sloop-of-war USS Dale (1822-1921) which was named for his father.

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Richard Dale, Sr. had two other sons:

Samuel Sutherland Dale who died as an infant

Edward Crathorne Dale (1810-1868)

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Also three daughters:

Sarah Barry Dale (1804-1839)

Ann Dale (Died as an infant)

Elizabeth Dale  (1807-?)

--Brock-Perry