After major involvement in the development of U.S. railroads, in 1842, he went to Russia as a consulting engineer on the Saint Petersburg-Moscow Railway, the first large-scale endeavor by the Russian government. He introduced the Howe truss bridge to Russia.
Sadly, he is probably best known for being the father of artist James McNeill Whistler, who painted the famous artwork referred to as "Whistler's Mother."
--Brock-Perry
2012 marks the 200th anniversary of America's "Forgotten War," the War of 1812 that took place over three years, 1812 to 1815.
Battle of New Orleans.
Friday, June 30, 2017
Thursday, June 29, 2017
George Washington Whistler-- Part 1: William's Brother, John's Son
From Wikipedia.
Keeping it in the family since I have been writing about both John Whistler and William Whistler the last couple weeks. I was unable to find out if he had any involvement in the War of 1812, but if he did, he would have been very young.
1800-1849. Prominent American civil engineer in the first half of the 19th century.
Member of a noted military family, USMA graduate and served in the U.S. Army.
Railroad and locomotive builder. His shops produced the first-known steam locomotives in the United States known to have a whistle.
Kind of a Whistler's Whistle, You Know. Sorry --Brock-Perry
Keeping it in the family since I have been writing about both John Whistler and William Whistler the last couple weeks. I was unable to find out if he had any involvement in the War of 1812, but if he did, he would have been very young.
1800-1849. Prominent American civil engineer in the first half of the 19th century.
Member of a noted military family, USMA graduate and served in the U.S. Army.
Railroad and locomotive builder. His shops produced the first-known steam locomotives in the United States known to have a whistle.
Kind of a Whistler's Whistle, You Know. Sorry --Brock-Perry
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
William Whistler's Burial Place
From Find-A-Grave.
William Whistler, one of the longest-serving-ever U.S. officers, was born December 3, 1780 in Hagerstown, Maryland and died December 4, 1863, in Newport Kentucky.
He is buried at Evergreen Cemetery in Southgate, Kentucky, Campbell County.
--Brock-Perry
William Whistler, one of the longest-serving-ever U.S. officers, was born December 3, 1780 in Hagerstown, Maryland and died December 4, 1863, in Newport Kentucky.
He is buried at Evergreen Cemetery in Southgate, Kentucky, Campbell County.
--Brock-Perry
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
Battle of Maguaga-- Part 2: Getting the Supplies
The American forces had vital supplies at the Miami Rapids and General Hull sent a detachment to get it, but they were turned back at the Battle of Brownstown. He then sent a larger detachment under Colonel James Miller to escort the supplies back to Detroit.
This detachment consisted of 280 regulars and 330 Ohio Volunteers. They encountered 205 British regulars, Canadian militia and Indians at the Battle of Maguaga.
In the engagement, the British lost 6 killed, 21 wounded and 2 captured. U.S. losses were 18 killed and 64 wounded.
--Brock-Perry
This detachment consisted of 280 regulars and 330 Ohio Volunteers. They encountered 205 British regulars, Canadian militia and Indians at the Battle of Maguaga.
In the engagement, the British lost 6 killed, 21 wounded and 2 captured. U.S. losses were 18 killed and 64 wounded.
--Brock-Perry
Monday, June 26, 2017
The Battle of Maguaga-- Part 1: William Whistler Distinguished Self Here
From Wikipedia.
I have been writing about William Whistler who is considered a hero at this battle.
Also known as the Battle of Manguaygon and the Battle of Oakwoods was fought August 9, 1812 near Detroit.
It pitted British regulars, Canadian militia and Tecumseh's Indian warriors against a larger American force near the Wyandot Indian village of Maguaga (present-day Trenton, Michigan).
Brigadier General William Hull had moved his American Army to Detroit to use it as a base for his planned invasion of British Upper Canada. However, he soon became too worried and failed to attack the British at Fort Amherstburg after he learned about the fall of Fort Mackinac. He also was very worried (and scared) of the Indians and what they might do to his army.
He retreated back to American territory.
--Brock-Perry
I have been writing about William Whistler who is considered a hero at this battle.
Also known as the Battle of Manguaygon and the Battle of Oakwoods was fought August 9, 1812 near Detroit.
It pitted British regulars, Canadian militia and Tecumseh's Indian warriors against a larger American force near the Wyandot Indian village of Maguaga (present-day Trenton, Michigan).
Brigadier General William Hull had moved his American Army to Detroit to use it as a base for his planned invasion of British Upper Canada. However, he soon became too worried and failed to attack the British at Fort Amherstburg after he learned about the fall of Fort Mackinac. He also was very worried (and scared) of the Indians and what they might do to his army.
He retreated back to American territory.
--Brock-Perry
Friday, June 23, 2017
William Whistler-- Part 2: Captured at Detroit Surrender
From the Chronicles of Oklahoma.
William Whistler distinguished himself at the Battle of Maguaga, August 9, 1812, which was a big American victory in the War of 1812. It was 14 miles away from Detroit. He was taken prisoner at Hull's surrender of Detroit August 16, 1812.
Exchanged, he became a captain in December 1812 and was at Fort Mackinac in 1816. Then he was stationed at Green Bay, Wisconsin 1817 and 1819 and married in 1820.
He was stationed at Oklahoma's Fort Gibson on four different occasions.
--Brock-Perry
William Whistler distinguished himself at the Battle of Maguaga, August 9, 1812, which was a big American victory in the War of 1812. It was 14 miles away from Detroit. He was taken prisoner at Hull's surrender of Detroit August 16, 1812.
Exchanged, he became a captain in December 1812 and was at Fort Mackinac in 1816. Then he was stationed at Green Bay, Wisconsin 1817 and 1819 and married in 1820.
He was stationed at Oklahoma's Fort Gibson on four different occasions.
--Brock-Perry
Thursday, June 22, 2017
William Whistler-- Part 1: Over 60 Years in U.S. Army
From Wikipedia.
John Whistler's son, who accompanied him to Fort Dearborn, was born in 1780 and died in 1863.
He was commissioned 2nd lieutenant in the 1st U.S. Infantry in June 1801 and promoted to 1st lieutenant in 1807 and captain in December 1812.
When the Army reorganized after the War of 1812, the 1st Infantry was redesignated the 3rd Infantry.
Brevetted to major in 1822 and served ten years at that rank. In April 1826 he was assigned to the 2nd U.S. Infantry and became lieutenant colonel of the 7th Infantry in July 1834.
Colonel of the 4th U.S. Infantry July 1845. Retired April 1861 and died December 4, 1863.
--Brock-Perry
John Whistler's son, who accompanied him to Fort Dearborn, was born in 1780 and died in 1863.
He was commissioned 2nd lieutenant in the 1st U.S. Infantry in June 1801 and promoted to 1st lieutenant in 1807 and captain in December 1812.
When the Army reorganized after the War of 1812, the 1st Infantry was redesignated the 3rd Infantry.
Brevetted to major in 1822 and served ten years at that rank. In April 1826 he was assigned to the 2nd U.S. Infantry and became lieutenant colonel of the 7th Infantry in July 1834.
Colonel of the 4th U.S. Infantry July 1845. Retired April 1861 and died December 4, 1863.
--Brock-Perry
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
John Whistler and the Founding of Chicago's Fort Dearborn-- Part 2
In 1875, Mrs. William Whistler (I imagine the wife of William Whistler) said that when they arrived that there were only four cabins or traders' huts occupied by Canadian French and their Indian wives.
In the spring 1804, John Kenzie, living near Niles, Michigan, bought land there and came with his wife and infant son. He was the first Anglo-White and lived there until late 1827, except for the four years between the summer of 1812 to the fall of 1816 when Fort Dearborn was destroyed and finally rebuilt.
In 1810, John Whistler returned to Detroit and Captain Nathan Heald assumed command of Fort Dearborn. Captain Heald was in command in the Fort Dearborn Massacre.
John Whistler then commanded Detroit until the arrival of General William Hull.
--Brock-Perry
In the spring 1804, John Kenzie, living near Niles, Michigan, bought land there and came with his wife and infant son. He was the first Anglo-White and lived there until late 1827, except for the four years between the summer of 1812 to the fall of 1816 when Fort Dearborn was destroyed and finally rebuilt.
In 1810, John Whistler returned to Detroit and Captain Nathan Heald assumed command of Fort Dearborn. Captain Heald was in command in the Fort Dearborn Massacre.
John Whistler then commanded Detroit until the arrival of General William Hull.
--Brock-Perry
Tuesday, June 20, 2017
John Whistler and the Founding of Chicago's Fort Dearborn
From the World History Project.
In the summer of 1803, Captain John Whistler, then stationed at Deroit, was ordered to take his company of soldiers to Lake Michigan to occupy the the site of what was to become Chicago and to build a fort there.
His soldiers traveled overland, led by Lt. James Swearingen. Captain Whistler and his family came in the U.S. schooner Tracy from Detroit to the mouth of St. Joseph River. With him he had his wife, young son George and his eldest son, Lt. William Whistler and his young bride. They continued to Chicago in a row boat.
--Brock-Perry
In the summer of 1803, Captain John Whistler, then stationed at Deroit, was ordered to take his company of soldiers to Lake Michigan to occupy the the site of what was to become Chicago and to build a fort there.
His soldiers traveled overland, led by Lt. James Swearingen. Captain Whistler and his family came in the U.S. schooner Tracy from Detroit to the mouth of St. Joseph River. With him he had his wife, young son George and his eldest son, Lt. William Whistler and his young bride. They continued to Chicago in a row boat.
--Brock-Perry
Monday, June 19, 2017
John Whistler-- Part 4: A Military Family
In 1817, he moved toSt. Charles, Missouri and was military storekeeper at the Jefferson Barracks, near St. Louis.
He died at Fort Bellefontaine in 1829.
John Whistler had 15 children and three became military officers. Colonel William Whistler served from 1801-1861 and Lt. George Washington Whistler, a railroad designer in America and Russia.
Two of his grandsons were officers in the Civil War: Brigadier General Joseph N. G. Whistler and Colonel Joseph Nelson Garland Whistler.
Another grandson, James Abbott McNeil Whistler attended West Point, but did not graduate. He went on to become a famous artists ("Whistler's Mother")
Quite the Military Family. --Brock-Perry
He died at Fort Bellefontaine in 1829.
John Whistler had 15 children and three became military officers. Colonel William Whistler served from 1801-1861 and Lt. George Washington Whistler, a railroad designer in America and Russia.
Two of his grandsons were officers in the Civil War: Brigadier General Joseph N. G. Whistler and Colonel Joseph Nelson Garland Whistler.
Another grandson, James Abbott McNeil Whistler attended West Point, but did not graduate. He went on to become a famous artists ("Whistler's Mother")
Quite the Military Family. --Brock-Perry
Saturday, June 17, 2017
John Whistler-- Part 3: War of 1812
He was recalled to Detroit in 1810 from Fort Dearborn and was evidently in command before William Hull.
During the War of 1812, he was brevetted to major and served with his company until 1815.
I was unable to find out anything more about his War of 1812 service other than this. It would be interesting to know if he was surrendered by William Hull at Detroit. His previous British military service would have made for an interesting case.
After the war, he became military storekeeper at Newport, Kentucky. In 1816, he was sent to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he built the third fort there (he had also been involved in the construction of the first two forts there as well).
--Brock-Perry
During the War of 1812, he was brevetted to major and served with his company until 1815.
I was unable to find out anything more about his War of 1812 service other than this. It would be interesting to know if he was surrendered by William Hull at Detroit. His previous British military service would have made for an interesting case.
After the war, he became military storekeeper at Newport, Kentucky. In 1816, he was sent to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he built the third fort there (he had also been involved in the construction of the first two forts there as well).
--Brock-Perry
Friday, June 16, 2017
John Whistler-- Part 2: Completed and Commanded Fort Dearborn
John Whistler joined the United States Army and was sent to the Western Frontier and was in the Hamar Campaign in 1790 and was severely wounded at St. Clair's Defeat in 1791. He became a lieutenant in the Legion of the United States and helped build U.S. forts in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
In 1797 he was promoted to captain and transferred to Fort Lemoult in Detroit. In the summer of 1803, he and his company of the 1st United States Infantry moved from Fort Detroit to the southern shore of Lake Michigan where he completed Fort Dearborn, on the future site of Chicago.
He became the fort's first commandant.
--Brock-Perry
In 1797 he was promoted to captain and transferred to Fort Lemoult in Detroit. In the summer of 1803, he and his company of the 1st United States Infantry moved from Fort Detroit to the southern shore of Lake Michigan where he completed Fort Dearborn, on the future site of Chicago.
He became the fort's first commandant.
--Brock-Perry
John Whistler-- Part 1: Served With British and U.S. Armies
From Wikipedia.
Back in May i was writing about the first USMA at West Point graduate, Joseph G. Swift. On May 22 I wrote that he had mentored younger engineers George Washington Whistler and William Gibbs McNeill. Was this Whistler fellow somehow related to the famous artist James Abbott McNeill Whistler?
While researching him I found out that the artist's grandfather had been John Whistler who served in the American Revolution on the British side and the War of 1812 on the American side.
John Whistler was born in 1756 in Ulster, Ireland. He ran away at an early age and joined the British Army and served with British General John Burgoyne in the American Revolution. After the surrender at Saratoga, John Whistler returned to England and was honorably discharged.
He eloped with the daughter of his father's friend and emigrated to the United States and settle in Hagerstown, Maryland.
--Brock-Perry
Back in May i was writing about the first USMA at West Point graduate, Joseph G. Swift. On May 22 I wrote that he had mentored younger engineers George Washington Whistler and William Gibbs McNeill. Was this Whistler fellow somehow related to the famous artist James Abbott McNeill Whistler?
While researching him I found out that the artist's grandfather had been John Whistler who served in the American Revolution on the British side and the War of 1812 on the American side.
John Whistler was born in 1756 in Ulster, Ireland. He ran away at an early age and joined the British Army and served with British General John Burgoyne in the American Revolution. After the surrender at Saratoga, John Whistler returned to England and was honorably discharged.
He eloped with the daughter of his father's friend and emigrated to the United States and settle in Hagerstown, Maryland.
--Brock-Perry
Thursday, June 15, 2017
Jacob Nicholas Jones, USN
From Wikipedia.
Tuesday, I wrote about the USS Revenge being commanded by Jacob Nicholas Jones when it first entered service in the U.S. Navy. I have done a lot of research on him, but found no mention of his commanding the USS Revenge.
I also have already printed several entries about him. Just hit the Jones label at right.
In addition, before joining the U.S. navy, he was married to the daughter of Delaware Governor James Sykes who died sometime before he entered the Navy at age 31.
He is buried at the Wilmington and Brandywine Cemetery in Wilmington, Delaware.
--Brock-Perry
Tuesday, I wrote about the USS Revenge being commanded by Jacob Nicholas Jones when it first entered service in the U.S. Navy. I have done a lot of research on him, but found no mention of his commanding the USS Revenge.
I also have already printed several entries about him. Just hit the Jones label at right.
In addition, before joining the U.S. navy, he was married to the daughter of Delaware Governor James Sykes who died sometime before he entered the Navy at age 31.
He is buried at the Wilmington and Brandywine Cemetery in Wilmington, Delaware.
--Brock-Perry
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
The War of 1812 Flag On Flag Day
The War of 1812 United States flag featured 15 stars and 15 stripes, one for each state in the Union. Vermont and Kentucky had joined in the meantime.
This is the famous flag that flew over Fort McHenry in Baltimore which inspired what became our National Anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner."
I wrote about it today in my Cooter's History Thing Blog.
I have my U.S. flags up outside. Unfortunately, I do not have a 15-star 15 stripe flag or it would be up as well.
15 and 15. --Brock-Perry
This is the famous flag that flew over Fort McHenry in Baltimore which inspired what became our National Anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner."
I wrote about it today in my Cooter's History Thing Blog.
I have my U.S. flags up outside. Unfortunately, I do not have a 15-star 15 stripe flag or it would be up as well.
15 and 15. --Brock-Perry
USS Revenge, Perry's Lost Ship-- Part 3: The End of the Revenge
That winter, the Revenge was charting the American coast along Newport, Rhode Island, New London, Connecticut, Gardiner's Bay and Long Island, New York.
On 9 January 1811, the Revenge ran aground on a reef off Watch Hill, Rhode Island while attempting to navigate a hazardous stretch of water known as "The Race" in a heavy fog. The ship was a total loss.
The Opps Perry. --Brock-Perry
On 9 January 1811, the Revenge ran aground on a reef off Watch Hill, Rhode Island while attempting to navigate a hazardous stretch of water known as "The Race" in a heavy fog. The ship was a total loss.
The Opps Perry. --Brock-Perry
USS Revenge, Perry's Lost Ship-- Part 2: Seizing the Diana From the British
In 1809, Oliver Hazard Perry took command of the ship. With the passage of the Non-Intercourse Act on 1 March 1809, most restrictions to commerce with foreign countries were removed, with the exception of France and Britain. The Revenge began cruising as far south as the tip of Florida and north to New England.
In 1810, the Revenge entered Washington Navy Yard for needed repairs.
July 1810 found the ship cruising off Charleston, S.C. when it was ordered to Amelia Island, Florida, then part of Spanish Florida. It was to attempt to free an American ship, the Diana, which had been seized in Spanish waters and placed under British colors.
Despite the presence of two British warships in the area, Perry boarded the Diana, seized it, placed a prize crew on board and sailed away.
The Gallant Perry --Brock-Perry
In 1810, the Revenge entered Washington Navy Yard for needed repairs.
July 1810 found the ship cruising off Charleston, S.C. when it was ordered to Amelia Island, Florida, then part of Spanish Florida. It was to attempt to free an American ship, the Diana, which had been seized in Spanish waters and placed under British colors.
Despite the presence of two British warships in the area, Perry boarded the Diana, seized it, placed a prize crew on board and sailed away.
The Gallant Perry --Brock-Perry
Tuesday, June 13, 2017
USS Revenge, Perry's Lost Ship-- Part 1: Enforcing the Embargo Act
From Wikipedia.
The ship was bought by the U.S. Navy in 1806 and ran aground 9 January 1811 and sank.
It was 70 feet long and mounted 12 X 6-pdr cannons.
The Navy bought the Baltimore-built schooner Ranger in New Orleans in December 1806. It was renamed the Revenge and commissioned.
In 1807, it was ordered to the Atlantic Ocean and sailed under Lt. Jacob Jones. It joined Commodore John Rodgers' New York Flotilla which assembled shortly after the USS Chesapeake-HMS Leopard Affair. With the passage of Thomas Jefferson's Embargo Act on 22 December 1807, the flotilla established a blockade of the U.S, coast to prevent foreign commerce.
--Brock-Perry
The ship was bought by the U.S. Navy in 1806 and ran aground 9 January 1811 and sank.
It was 70 feet long and mounted 12 X 6-pdr cannons.
The Navy bought the Baltimore-built schooner Ranger in New Orleans in December 1806. It was renamed the Revenge and commissioned.
In 1807, it was ordered to the Atlantic Ocean and sailed under Lt. Jacob Jones. It joined Commodore John Rodgers' New York Flotilla which assembled shortly after the USS Chesapeake-HMS Leopard Affair. With the passage of Thomas Jefferson's Embargo Act on 22 December 1807, the flotilla established a blockade of the U.S, coast to prevent foreign commerce.
--Brock-Perry
Monday, June 12, 2017
Oliver Hazard Perry and the Sinking of the USS Revenge-- Part 2
On january 9, 1811, the USS Revenge ran aground off Rhode Island was lost.
"seeing fairly quickly that he could not save the vessel, [Perry] turned his attention to saving the crew, and after helping them down the ropes over the vessel's stern, he was last to leave the vessel."
A court-martial exonerated Perry and placed the blame for the ship's loss on its pilot.
In January 2011, divers claimed to have found the remains of the USS Revenge.
--Brock-Perry
"seeing fairly quickly that he could not save the vessel, [Perry] turned his attention to saving the crew, and after helping them down the ropes over the vessel's stern, he was last to leave the vessel."
A court-martial exonerated Perry and placed the blame for the ship's loss on its pilot.
In January 2011, divers claimed to have found the remains of the USS Revenge.
--Brock-Perry
Oliver Hazard Perry and the USS Revenge Sinking-- Part 1
From Wikipedia.
Oliver Hazard Perry was appointed a midshipman in 1799. In the First Barbary War, he served on the USS Adams and later became a first lieutenant and second in command of the USS Nautilus.
He then served under Captain John Rodgers on the USS Constitution and then on the USS Essex.
After that, he was placed in charge of the construction of gunboats in Newport and Westerly, Connecticut.
In April 1809, he commanded the sloop USS Revenge and did patrol duties off New England to enforce the Embargo Act. He also led a successful raid which resulted in the recapture of an American ship held in Spanish Territory in Florida.
--Brock-Perry
Oliver Hazard Perry was appointed a midshipman in 1799. In the First Barbary War, he served on the USS Adams and later became a first lieutenant and second in command of the USS Nautilus.
He then served under Captain John Rodgers on the USS Constitution and then on the USS Essex.
After that, he was placed in charge of the construction of gunboats in Newport and Westerly, Connecticut.
In April 1809, he commanded the sloop USS Revenge and did patrol duties off New England to enforce the Embargo Act. He also led a successful raid which resulted in the recapture of an American ship held in Spanish Territory in Florida.
--Brock-Perry
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