Background
He was a son of Thomas Tingey Craven.
He was a son of Thomas Tingey Craven.
He graduated at the United States Naval Academy in 1863, during the American Civil War.
He was promoted to ensign, and served in that capacity in the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron until 1863. He participated in many of the engagements in the vicinity of Charleston and Savannah during 1863/64, and was attached to the United States Ship Housatonic when she was blown up in February 1864. From 1865 to 1867, he served in the European Squadron on the United States Ship Colorado, and was commissioned lieutenant commander in November 1866.
He then served on the United States Ship Wampanoag, and was made lieutenant commander in March 1868, after which he was attached to the Pacific Squadron.
Subsequently he served on shore duty at Mare Island, California. In 1874 he became executive officer of the United States Ship Kearsarge, of the Pacific Squadron, and later of the United States Ship Monocacy.
He was detached from duty in June 1879, broken down by overwork, and was retired in May 1881.