author
Hiram Paulding
1797–1878
A lifelong U.S. Navy officer, he served from the War of 1812 through the Civil War and rose to the rank of rear admiral. His career included combat on the Great Lakes, command at sea, and important work helping shape the Union Navy in wartime.
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About the author
Born on December 11, 1797, Hiram Paulding entered the U.S. Navy as a midshipman in 1811, when he was still a teenager. During the War of 1812 he served on Lakes Ontario and Champlain, and his long naval career eventually stretched across more than fifty years.
Paulding became known as a capable officer in both active service and administration. He later commanded the Washington Navy Yard and held senior responsibilities as the nation moved toward civil war. During the Civil War era, he served on the Navy's board and helped support the expansion and organization of the Union fleet.
He was the son of John Paulding, one of the captors of Major John André during the American Revolution, and he remained a notable naval figure until his retirement. Paulding died on October 20, 1878, remembered as a rear admiral whose service linked the early republic, the age of sail, and the Union war effort.