Isaac Chauncey | |
---|---|
Born |
Black Rock, Province of Connecticut, British America |
February 20, 1772
Died | January 20, 1840 Washington, D.C., U.S. |
(aged 67)
Place of burial | Congressional Cemetery Washington, D.C. |
Allegiance | United States of America |
Service/branch | United States Navy |
Years of service | 1798–1840 |
Rank | Commodore |
Commands held | |
Battles/wars | |
Other work | President of the Board of Navy Commissioners (1837-40) |
Isaac Chauncey (February 20, 1772 – January 27, 1840) was an officer in the United States Navy who served in the Quasi-War, The Barbary Wars and the War of 1812. In the latter part of his naval career he was President of the Board of Navy Commissioners.
Chauncey, born in Black Rock, Connecticut, was appointed a Lieutenant in the Navy from 17 September 1798. He fought with gallantry in the West Indies during the Quasi-War with France; in the Mediterranean during the First Barbary War; and commanded John Adams (1804–5), Hornet (1805–6), Washington and the Mediterranean Squadron (1815–1820). He was promoted to Captain in 1806.
Perhaps his most outstanding service was during the War of 1812 when he commanded the naval forces on Lake Ontario, conducting amphibious operations in cooperation with the Army, and containing the British fleet under the command of Sir James Yeo stationed there. He also served twice as commandant of the New York Naval Shipyard. In May of 1829, while in command of the shipyard, Chauncey led a series of searches for the body of George Washington Adams, who committed suicide by jumping from the deck of the steamship Benjamin Franklin.
His last service was as member, and, for four years, President, of the Board of Navy Commissioners. Commodore Chauncey died in Washington, on 27th of January, 1840.