Henry A. Walke, Rear Admiral USN, (1809-1896)
| Henry A. Walke was born
in Princess Anne County, Virginia, on 24 December
1809. He was appointed a Midshipman in the U.S.
Navy in February 1827, and served on stations in
many parts of the World over the next three
decades. He was involved in combat operations
along the Mexican east coast in 1847. In early
1861, Commander Walke supported Unionist forces
at Pensacola, Florida, during the events leading
to the outbreak of the Civil War. Later in 1861,
he commanded the "Timberclad" gunboat Tyler
during early operations along the Western Rivers.
In January 1862, Walke took command of the
ironclad gunboat Carondelet, leading her
through the intense actions that marked the first
half of that year. Promoted to the rank of
Captain in August 1862, Walke outfitted and
commanded the large river ironclad Lafayette
until July 1863, when he was ordered to command
the converted cruiser Fort Jackson. The
following September, he was made captain of the steam sloop Sacramento, an assignment that lasted through the end of the Civil War. Promoted to Commodore in July 1866, he commanded the Naval Station at Mound City, Illinois, in 1868-70. He attained the rank of Rear Admiral in July 1870 and retired April 1871. Immediately recalled, he served under Admiral David Dixon Porter and on the Lighthouse Board until April 1873, when he left active duty for the last time. Rear Admiral Walke continued an active life as a writer and artist until his death at Brooklyn, New York, on 8 March 1896. |
|
