Edward McCall was born on August 6, 1790 at Beaufort, S. C. He was the son of Hext and Elizabeth (Pickering) McCall. On losing his father at an early age, he was placed under the care of a guardian, who, when the boy showed a preference for a seafaring life, directed his studies in preparation for that calling.
Appointed a midshipman on January 1, 1808, McCall, after a period of duty at the Charleston naval station, was ordered to the Hornet, on which vessel he in 1811 became acting master. Early in that year he joined the Enterprise, and at the outbreak of the War of 1812 was serving on her as acting lieutenant. On her successful engagement with the Boxer, off the coast of Maine on September 5, 1813, he was next in rank under Lieut. William Burrows, her commander, and when early in the action Burrows fell mortally wounded, McCall took command and brought the prize into Portland.
In the previous year the Senate had confirmed his appointment to a lieutenancy. After serving on the Ontario, McCall in the years 1815-17 made a cruise on the Java of the Mediterranean Squadron. On his return home he did duty at navy yards and shore stations at Charleston, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and elsewhere, and once, following his promotion as a master-commandant in 1825, he went to sea. This was in 1830-31 as commander of the Peacock of the West India Squadron. In March 1835 he was commissioned captain and thereafter he was on waiting orders until his death, which occurred at his residence in Bordentown, N. J.
Recognition of McCall's share in the victory came from the residents of Charleston, S. C. , who gave him a sword, and from the South Carolina legislature which appropriated money for the purchase of one. On January 6, 1814, Congress expressed its appreciation of his gallantry by voting him a gold medal.
McCall was married to Harriett McKnights.
