Jonathan Wainwright (naval officer)
| Jonathan Mayhew Wainwright II | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
July 27, 1821 New York City |
| Died | January 1, 1863 (aged 41) off Galveston, Texas |
| Allegiance |
 United States of America
|
| Service/branch |
 United States Navy
|
| Years of service | 1837-1863 |
| Rank |
 Lieutenant |
| Commands held | Harriet Lane |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Relations |
|
Jonathan Mayhew Wainwright II (July 27, 1821 – January 1, 1863) was an officer in the United States Navy during the American Civil War, who was killed in action during the Battle of Galveston.
Wainwright was born on July 27, 1821 in New York City to Jonathan Mayhew Wainwright I and Amelia Maria Phelps.
He entered the United States Navy on June 30, 1837, at age 16, as a midshipman. He attended the Philadelphia Naval Asylum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from 1842 to 1843, and became a passed midshipman on June 29, 1843.
He married Maria Byrd Page on February 8, 1844 in Virginia. They had four children including Jonathan Mayhew Wainwright III and Robert Powell Page Wainwright. His daughter Marie, later Mrs. Louis James, attained some reputation as an actress.
He was appointed acting-master, November 10, 1849, and commissioned lieutenant, September 17, 1850. He was on special duty in Washington, DC in 1861.
He commanded the Harriet Lane, Admiral David Dixon Porter's flagship in Farragut's fleet, in the Battle of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, and took part in operations below Vicksburg.
He was killed in action when his ship was attacked and captured by Confederate forces under the command of General John Bankhead Magruder during the Battle of Galveston on January 1, 1863. He was reportedly killed personal by Confederate naval commander Leon Smith, and a valuable signal book was taken from his corpse.
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