Career
Born in 1837 in New York City, Deakin was living in Philadelphia when he joined the Navy. He served during the Civil War as a boatswain"s mate and gun captain on the United States Ship Richmond. In April 1862, he took part in the Battle of Forts Jackson and Saint Philip in Louisiana.
At the Battle of Mobile Bay on August 5, 1864, he "fought his gun with skill and courage" despite heavy fire.
As captain of a gun on board the United States.S. Richmond during action against rebel forts and gunboats and with the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. He also participated in the actions at Forts Jackson and Saint Philip.
