'Forgotten War" Veteran Honored-- Part 2: Service Consisted of Lots of Walking

On June 18, 2012, the bicentennial of the War of 1812, he received another gift from the government, a granite veterans headstone with his rank and company inscribed on it.  This came about because of efforts by his great-great-grandson Mike Rowley of Iowa.

Ashbel Rowley was born in 1793 in Nassau County, New York, where he resided until his move to Illinois after the war.  During the war, he enlisted as a private in Captain Sherwood's Co., Yale's Battalion, New York Militia.  His service consisted of a 75-mile march to report to duty and a 275 mile walk back home during which he saw no combat.

He married and had nine children, some of whom settled in DeKalb County near Waterman.

Mike Rowley belongs to the General Society of the War of 1812, Iowa Chapter.  At least 438 War of 1812 veterans are buried in Iowa.  Mike has a replica 1813 soldiers dress uniform.

0--Brock-Perry

Veteran of 'Forgotten War' Honored in Illinois-- Part 1: Ashbel Rowley

From the June 6, 2012, Daily herald (Kane County)  "Veteran of 'Forgotten' War of 1812 honored in Sugar Grove."

Ashbel Rowley served two weeks in the Army during the war.  In 1855, Congress loosened its service time requirements for pension land grants for War of 1812 veterans and he got 160 acres of Illinois farmland for free.

At age 63, the farmer and carpenter moved to homestead near what is now Kaneville, Illinois, with his wife and several children.  He lived there until he died in 1864.  He is the only known War of 1812 veteran buried in Sugar Grove Township Cemetery.

Two Weeks for 160 Acres?  Pretty Good Deal.  --Brock-Perry

Samuel Livingston Breese-- Part 4: Civil War

On 16 July 1862, he was commissioned commodore and placed on the Retired List because of his age.  On 3 September 1862, he was one of 13 commodores selected to become rear admirals when the rank was introduced to the U.S. Navy.

Placed again on the Retired List, he was appointed to lighthouse inspector the same year.  He was made Port Admiral of Philadelphia in 1869.

Samuel Breese died at Mt. Airy, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, December 17, 1870, and buried at Forest Hills Cemetery, Utica, New York.

--Brock-Perry

Samuel Livingston Breese-- Part 3: Mexican War Service

Afterwards, he commanded the frigate USS Cumberland of the Mediterranean Squadron in 1845

He was in the Atlantic commanding the USS Albany during the Mexican War 1846-1847.  He took part in the capture of Tuxpan, Tabasco and Vera Cruz.  For a sort time he was military governor of Tuxpan.

In 1848, he was on special duty in the Great Lakes.  From 1853-1855 he commanded Norfolk Navy Yard and then commanded the Mediterranean Squadron.  From 1859-1861 he was in charge of the Brooklyn Navy Yard.

He married twice, but had no children.  As such, he was not the father of Kidder R. Breese, who fought at the First and Second Battles of Fort Fisher.

--Brock-Perry

Samuel Livingston Breese-- Part 2: War of 1812 Service

During the War of 1812, Breese served under Commodore Thomas Macdonough at the Battle of Lake Champlain and for gallant conduct there, received a Congressional sword and the thanks of Congress.

Commissioned a lieutenant on April 28, 1816, commander in December 1835 and captain September 8,1841.

Attached to the Philadelphia Navy Yard in 1836 and to the naval rendezvous in Baltimore in 1841.

He served in the Mediterranean Sea fighting against pirates from Algiers 1826-1827 and was in Levant during the war between Turkey and Greece.

--Brock-Perry

Samuel Livingston Breese, USN-- Part 1: War of 1812, Mexican War and Civil War

From Wikipedia.

I came across his name while researching another War of 1812 naval officer.  The last name struck a bell as there was a Union naval officer by the name of Kidder R. Breese who was at the Battle of Fort Fisher during the Civil War.  Might this Breese be his father or relative?

August 6, 1794 to December 17, 1870.  Rear Admiral, USN.  Saw active duty in the War of 1812, Mexican War and the Civil War.

Born Utica, New York, he was the brother of Illinois U.S. Senator Sidney Breese.

Appointed midshipman September 10, 1810.

--Brock-Perry

U.S. Navy's Master Commandant Rank

From Wikipedia.

I keep coming across this naval rank which is not used anymore.  Just to be sure exactly what it was, I did some research.

It was a rank in the early U.S. Navy, slightly higher than that of a lieutenant.  Often the command of a warship that was too small to justify it be commanded by a full captain was commanded by master commandants.

The rank was later shortened to commander in 1838.

Generally, warships in the early U.S. Navy were commanded, descending in size, by captains, master commandants and lieutenants.

--Brock-Perry

Zardoc Cook-- Part 4: Lived Until 1863

He served in the Georgia House of Representatives in 1806, 1807 and 1822 and the Georgia Senate 11810-1814 (during the War of 1812), 1823 and 1824.  Elected as a Republican to the House of Representatives of the 14th U.S. Congress to fill the vacancy following the resignation of Alfred Cuthbert.  Reelected to the 15th Congress and served 1816-1819.

Retired from public life and lived on his plantation and engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death in 1863.  It would have been interesting to see what he thought about Georgia's secession and the Civil War since he lived until 1863.

--Brock-Perry

Zardoc Cook-- Part 3: Public Service and Militia

From Find-A Grave.

Born 18 February 1769 in Virginia.  Died 3 August 1863 in Athens, Georgia.  Buried at Jackson Family Cemetery in Watkinsville, Oconee County, Georgia.

Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Georgia in an at-large seat.

One of the first white settlers in Clarke County, Georgia.  Was a self-educated man.

Ensign in the Washington County Militia in 1793 and captain of the Eleventh Company Hancock County militia.

--Brock-Perry

Zardoc Cook, Georgia War of 1812 Veteran-- Part 2

On August 30, 1805, he bought 449 acres of land on Barbers Creek for $2,500 ($5.57 per acre).  On October 21, 1807, he bought another 4,000 acres for$300.

Zardoc Cook was an ensign in the Washington County Militia in 1793 and captain of Eleventh Company, Hancock County Militia in 1796.

Public service included the Georgia House of Representatives and Senate.  He was elected to the 14th U.S. Congress to fill out a vacancy.

--Brock-Perry

Zardoc Cook, War of 1812 Georgia Veteran-- Part 1: Zadock or Zardoc?

From the November 8, 2017, Oconee Enterprise  "Descendant of War of 1812 veteran dedicates the homestead" Michael Prochaska.

Zardoc Cook, the 4th great grandfather of Joyce Lambeit was the veteran in question.  Lambeit belongs to the General John Baytop Scott Chapter U.S. Daughters which had the ceremony.  A historical marker will be put up at Cook's house.

Zadoc Cook was born February 18, 1769, in Halifax County, North Carolina, and died at age 96 on August 3, 1863, in Clarke County, now Oconee County, Georgia.

Upon further research on him, I have come across some confusion as to whether his first name is spelled Zadoc, Zardoc or Zardock.

--Brock-Perry

General Nathaniel Taylor-- Part 2: A Question of Guns

As they marched southward, the men did a lot of road building and guarding wagons.

Many were stationed at Camp Mandeville near Mobile in February 1814, where they encountered much disease.  Captain Joseph Scott's 104-man company had 31 listed as sick in their final muster.

From the East Tennessee Historical Society.

From 1800 to 1814, Nathaniel Taylor became quite a rich and successful businessman and even had iron forges.

In 1814-1815, after the defeat of the Creek Indians, the U.S. Secretary of War directed a call for 2,500 Tennessee militia to march south and man forts in the recently captured territory.  Taylor's brigade was part of this.  Evidently, there was an acute lack of weapons and a bit of a confrontation along the way with the commander of a regular U.S. Army regiment about his having surplus guns.

On November 9, at Fort Jackson, half of Taylor's troops were without guns.

Brock-Perry

General Nathaniel Taylor-- Part 1: Brig. Gen. Tennessee Militia

In the last post I wrote about the historic 200-year-old home in Elizabethton, Tennessee, Sabine Hill, which was built by the general's widow opening for the public back in November.  Gen. Taylor was mentioned as participating in the defense of Mobile, Alabama, during the War of 1812.

Ancestry says he was born in 1772 and passed away in 1816 in Carter, Tennessee.  Carter is the county Elizabethton is located in.

Find-A-Grave says he was a brigadier general in the War of 1812 and was born February 4, 1771.

Part of his brigade of drafted Tennessee militia were mustered in at Knoxville and marched to Mobile via Camp Ross (present-day Chattanooga), Fort Jackson, Fort Claiborne and Fort Montgomery.

--Brock-Perry

After 200 Years, Sabine Hill Opens to the Public

From the October 4, 2017, Johnson City (Tennessee) Press  "After 200 years, the front door of Sabine Hill will open to the public in November."

Elizabethton.  Closed for several years for renovation, Tennessee State Parks on Wednesday began taking applications for guided tours for the historic house.

Built by Mary Patton Taylor, the widow of Brigadier General Nathaniel Taylor who participated in the defenses of Mobile, Alabama, during the War of 1812.

The house will open November 4.  Guests will be shuttled to the home which was completed around 1817.  It is part of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park.

--Brock-Perry

Making Her Mark: Jane "Jennie" Forsyth

From the November 6, 2017, Daily Journal.

Jane "Jennie" Forsyth was buried in Franklin's First Mount Pleasant Cemetery in 1856.  She and her husband, John Forsyth, were one of the first pioneer settlers in Hensley Township in Johnson County, Indiana.  She is a Real daughter of the War of 1812.

There was a ceremony honoring her on October 21.

She was born in Jefferson County, Kentucky in 1787 and moved to Johnson County after marrying James Forsyth, a farmer in the 1820s.  She was the eldest daughter of Thomas Sturgeon, Jr. a War of 1812 veteran in Captain Martin L. Hawkins in the Kentucky Infantry.

He also fought in the American Revolution, joining when he was just 15.

--Brock-Perry

David Conner, USN-- Part 2: Commanded the Home Squadron in Mexican War

After the war, David Conner was sent to the Pacific, did shore duty in Philadelphia and commanded the USS Dolphin.  Later he was the first Chief of the Bureau of Construction, Equipment and Repairs for the Navy.

During the Mexican War he commanded the Home Squadron operating in the Gulf of Mexico from 1846-1847.  He directed the assault on Vera Cruz.  Commodore Mathew C. Perry was his vice-commander during the war.

He later commanded the Philadelphia Navy Yard and died 20 March 1856 and is buried in Philadelphia's Laurel Hill Cemetery.

--Brock-Perry

David Conner, USN-- Part 1: Service in War of 1812

While doing research on Jacob Zeilen of the USMC, I found he was buried at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia and a lot of famous people are buried there.

One of them is David Conner, USN, who fought in the War of 1812 and the Mexican War.

1792-1856

Became a midshipman 16 January 1809 and served on the USS President.

During the War of 1812, he was on the USS Hornet during the chase of the HMS Belvidera and saw action against the HMS Peacock in the fall of 1813 and the capture of the HMS Penguin March 1815 in which he received a wound.

--Brock-Perry

Another Thomas Chambers Marine Painting-- Part 5

Another painting by Thomas Chambers was "New York Harbor with Castle Garden and ships," circa 1846.

Castle Clinton (Fort Clinton) was once known as Castle Garden, a circular sandstone fort now located at Battery Park in Manhattan, New York City.

It was the United States' first immigration station (predating Ellis Island) where more than eight million people arrived between 1855 and 1890.

--Brock-Perry

"Old Ironsides" Floats Again-- Part 2: Rehabbed Stem to Stern

For the past two years, the USS Constitution has been in drydock undergoing repairs.  It was built in 1797 by Joshua Humphreys and is the oldest commissioned warship in the world.

Roughly 300 sheets of copper were placed on the lower hull.  Then it was completely rehabbed to keep it seaworthy and water tight.  These repairs were stem to stern.

Now, if they can just do something with the USS Olympia, of Spanish- American War fame in Philadelphia.  This is another ship worthy of saving.

It has been homeported in Charlestown since 1897 and was built less than three miles from the present site at the site of today's Coast Guard station.

It was the Constitution's first drydocking this century.

"Aye, Tear her Tattered Ensign Down."  I Had To memorize This Poem in Fifth Grade.  --Brock-Perry

"Old Ironsides" Floats Again-- Part 1: Back In the Water After Two Years

From the November 27, 2017, WCVB ABC, Boston.

The USS Constitution, "Old Ironsides" has been gone from its mooring in Charlestown for two years.

The famous ship won three major War of 1812 sea battles against British ships and has had its home base at Charlestown Naval Yard since 1897.  It was launched in 1797.

Surprisingly, attendance at its museum actually went up while the ship was gone.  Every year, between 500,000 and 600,000 visitors come to the ship and are greeted by actual duty sailors.

--Brock-Perry

Thomas Chambers-- Part 4: Paintings

Other paintings of Thomas:  Chambers"

**  "Capture of H.B.M. Frigate Macedonian By The USS United States on October 25, 1812", circa 1845.

 A critic remarked of this painting:  "The rolling waves and swirls of smoke convey the noise and excitement of battle."

**  "Pirate Ships and Cutter Firing Cannons, Seascape, Night Scene"  circa 1850.

Cutters were used by several navies in the 17th and 18th centuries and were usually the smallest commissioned ships in the fleet.  They were used for coastal patrol, customs duties, escort, dispatch carriers and for small "cutting out" raids.

--Brock-Perry

Pearl Harbor Warning Signs-- Part 2: Yamamoto Takes Over Japanese Navy

This being the 76th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor today, all of my blogs will commemorate this event.

1939

February 10:  Japan occupies Hainan Island on the South China coast.

August:  Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto takes command of Japan's navy.

September:  Germany invades Poland.  World War II begins.December:  U.S. halts exports of aviation fuel technology to Japan.

1940

May:  U.S. shifts Pacific Fleet base to Pearl Harbor from San Diego.  This move is not official until February 1941.


1941

January:  Yamamoto consults his officers about the feasibility of an attack on pearl Harbor.

November 26:  Unknown to the U.S., Japan's naval fleet heads for Pearl Harbor.

--Brock-Perry

Pearl Harbor Warning Signs-- Part 1: Japan Attacks China

These are continued from my Cooter's History Thing blog.  Every one of my seven blogs today will be about Pearl Harbor.

1937:

July 7:  Japan invades China, launching the attack across Manchuria.

December 13:  The Rape of Nanking--  mass killings and other atrocities by Japanese soldiers -- begins in China.

1938

June 11:  U.S. condemns Japan's bombing of China.  Later, a U.S. "moral embargo" opposes sale of aircraft to nations attacking civilians.

--Brock-Perry

Crew of the USS Constitution Welcomes Public for Tree Lighting

From the November 26, 2017, San Francisco Gate.

Next weekend (well, last weekend now) a Christmas tree will be lighted on the old ship's deck.  It is the world's oldest commissioned warship.

The event took place at 4 p.m. on December 3.

There will be holiday carolers and a visit by Santa Claus and the tree will be decorated with handmade ornaments from Boston's Charlestown neighborhoods.

The USS Constitution is moored in Charlestown.

I saw no mention of whether or not the lights were electric or candles.

--Brock-Perry

Thomas Chambers-- Part 3: Marine Paintings

One of his paintings was "New York Harbor With Pilot Boat 'George Washington"  circa mid-nineteenth century.

Chambers was somewhat obscure in his lifetime, but became famous in the 20th century with the discovery of a rare signed painting of the battle between the USS Constitution and the HMS Guerriere, ca. 1845.

His War of 1812 naval paintings are described as "singularly flamboyant" and he had an "expressive style and bold decoration sensibility."

--Brock-Perry

Thomas Chambers, Naval Painter-- Part 2: Moved Around a Lot

From 1834 to 1840, Thomas Chambers was listed as a landscape or marine painter in the New York City directory.  From 1843 to 1851, he lived in Boston, then moved to Albany, New York, and lived there until 1857.

 Subsequently, he was again listed in the New York City directory from 1858 to 1859 and then back to Boston 1860 to 1861 and back to New York again from 1862 to 1866.  His whereabouts after that are not known.

Certainly a lot of moving from place to place.

Thomas Chambers, Maritime Artist-- Part 1: Born in London

From the January 10, 2017, Art Collector  "10 Classic Marine Paintings, War of 1812, With Footnotes.

Thomas Chambers  (1808-1866 or after)

Born in London, immigrated to U.S. in 1832.  Painter of landscapes and marine scenes.  he not only painted what he saw but also used his imagination and popular engraved images.

A number of his War of 1812 depictions of War of 1812 naval battles are based on engravings.

--Brock-Perry

Sea Battle Paintings Sale at Auction

From Christie's September Sampling.

Sold in September.

If you had some extra bucks hanging around you could have some wonderful War of 1812 sea battle paintings.

The first one is believed to have been the battle between the frigates USS United States and the HMS Macedonian.  This was painted by Thomas Chambers.  It sold for 175% above the estimate.

There was also a pair of paintings of the War of 1812 sea battle between the USS United States and the Macedonian and the USS Constitution vs. the HMS Guerriere attributed to Michele Felice Corne.  They sold for 150% above estimate, for $25,000.

--Brock-Perry

Stokely Donelson Hays-- Part 5: A Big Man

From Find-A-Grave

One source called him "the finest looking man in Jackson (Tn) in the early days of the city."  Another said he "Possessed much personal magnetism."

He was described as over six feet tall and weighed 200 pounds.

Stokely Hays died of bilious fever after returning home from Clinton, Mississippi, where he was tending to his business as a land registrar

Burial is at Riverside Cemetery in Jackson, Tennessee.

His gravestone reads:  S.D. Hays, Qtr.Mr. Gen. Jackson's Div., Tenn Vols., Creek War War of 1812, Dec. 1788, Sept. 8, 1831.

Stokely Donelson Hays-- Part 4: Rose Through the Ranks

Even though he was a private in that last story, he did rise through the ranks as can be seen here:

Coffee's Brigade, Cavalry and Mounted Gunmen, Tennessee Volunteers

Coffee's Regiment, Cavalry, West Tennessee Volunteers, Lieutenant, paymaster

Jackson's Division, Tennessee Volunteers, Quartermaster General

--Brock-Perry

Stokely Donelson Hays-- Part 3: A Good Story

There was a good story about Stokely Hays and Andrew Jackson.

Hays was serving as a private and on sentry duty once when Andrew Jackson rode up to him, stopped and handed hays a letter.  Hays read it while the general waited, then handed it back to him.  Jackson then rode away.

A nearby officer watched what was happening and afterwards called out to Hays, asking his name.

"Hays, sir," was to reply.

"You seem acquainted with the general."

"Oh yes, sir.  He is my uncle -- that is, you know, my uncle up home in Tennessee."

The officer asked, "What is he here?"

"Oh here he is the the general, sir."

Then the officer asked why hays was just a private.

"Well, sir.  That doesn't make any difference to him.  So long as I am here with a gun, he's satisfied."

That Old Jackson!  --Brock-Perry

Stokely Donelson Hays-- Part 2: The Fight Between Andrew Jackson and the Bentons

OIn September 1813, Andrew Jackson, Gen. John Coffee and Stokely hays deliberately strolled by the Nashville City Hotel where they knew Thomas Hart Benton and his brother Jesse were staying.  A feud had been brewing between Jackson and the Bentons and they were there to provoke it even more.

Both sides had threatened the other.  And, a confrontation occurred.  never one to back down from a fight, Andrew Jackson was wounded and the others fought.  Jackson just barely survived his wound.

Sounds like the making a a good book.

Stokely Hays fought with Jackson and Coffee in the Creek War and at the Battle of New Orleans.

--Brock-Perry

Stokely Donelson Hays-- Part 1: Along With Aaron Burr

From Genealogy Trails.

1788-1831

First son of Col. Robert Hays and his wife Jane Donelson, daughter of Nashville pioneer John Donelson.

Robert hays was a close and personal friend and brother-in-law of Andrew Jackson.  Stokely spent his time growing up between his parents' plantation and Andrew Jackson's Hermitage with his aunt and uncle.

In 1806, Andrew Jackson permitted his nephew to accompany Aaron Burr to Louisiana to keep an eye on him and report anything suspicious that Burr might do.  This led to Burr's arrest for treason.

--Brock-Perry

Andrew Jackson's Nephew's Grave Marked: Stokely Donelson Hays

From the November 10, 2017, Jackson (Tennessee) Sun "Daughters of 1812 mark grave for Andrew Jackson's nephew at Riverside" Gail Bailey.

The Tulip Chapter, Tennessee Society of the United States Daughters of 1812 had a grave marking ceremony for Stokely Donelson Hays, nephew of Andrew Jackson.  He was a spy on Aaron Burr during the incident in Louisiana for which Burr was later tried for treason.

He was the son of Col. Robert Hay and Jane Donelson Hays and born in December 1788 and saw service in the Creek War and the War of 1812.

After the war, he was a surveyor, lawyer, commissioner and land register in Jackson and Madison County.

He died September 8, 1831 in Jackson.

One of the early settlers in Jackson after having moved there from Nashville.

--Brock-Perry