Background
James Findlay was born on June 11, 1807 in Franklin, Ohio, United States, son of Gen. William Cortenus Schenck and Elizabeth (Rogers) Schenck and brother of Robert Cumming Schenck.
- Photos
- Works
- Photos
- Works
James Findlay Schenck
Edit ProfileEducation
Schenck entered West Point as a cadet in the class of 1826, but left before graduation.
Career
On March 1, 1825, James Findlay Schenck was appointed midshipman in the navy, promoted to passed midshipman in 1831, to lieutenant in 1835, and to commander in 1855. He first saw service with the Mosquito Fleet in the West Indies against the pirates and in 1828 commanded the sloop Surprise, after which his naval career for several years was uneventful.
In 1845 he was assigned to the frigate Congress under Commodore Robert Field Stockton and served with that officer during the occupation and conquest of California. He was present at the capture of Santa Barbara and on August 6, 1846, landed in a launch with twenty men at San Pedro and captured that port. At the head of a company of seamen he marched with Stockton's command on Los Angeles, entering the town on August 13, 1846. As second lieutenant of the Congress he participated in the bombardment and capture of Guaymas, and the taking of Mazatlan.
From May 1849 until 1852 he was in command of the United States mail steamer Ohio; in 1858 he was given command of the receiving ship North Carolina at the New York navy yard; and on March 8, 1860, he sailed from San Francisco in command of the Saginaw for the East India station. His cruise in far eastern waters was uneventful but for one occurrence; on June 30, 1861, while anchored just outside Quin Hon Harbor, Cochin China, he was fired upon by a fort and returned the fire, silencing the guns.
Schenck returned to the United States on the merchantman Swordfish with his crew.
In April 1862 he was given command of the frigate St. Lawrence, East Gulf Blockading Squadron, and on her did blockading duty for one year, when he was relieved. He was listed on the navy register from 1862 to 1864 as commander "Not recommended for promotion by the Advisory Board, " but in 1864 he was commissioned commodore, dating from January 2, 1863, skipping the grade of captain.
On October 14, 1864, he took command of the steamer Powhatan and later of the third division of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. In this dual role he participated in the two attacks on Fort Fisher. He was commended by Admiral David Dixon Porter for gallant conduct. During the next two years he commanded the naval station at Mound City.
Commissioned rear admiral September 21, 1868, he was retired by law, June 11, 1869. The outbreak of the Civil War found him well past his youth, and it is probable that the advisory board held up his promotion for that reason. During both attacks on Fort Fisher, in a difficult and responsible position, he handled his division with efficiency and precision, his reports to Admiral Porter showing keen observation and judgment.
His life following his retirement was spent at Dayton, Ohio. He died in 1882.
Achievements
-
James Findlay Schenck successfully participated in Mexican–American War, Cochinchina Campaign, American Civil War and in the result of his distinctive service was promoted to the rank of rear admiral. His reports on attacks on Fort Fisher are highly appreciated by historians and strategians and show his efficiency and precision of commanding actions, that brought the victory.
Personality
His service showed that James Findlay Schenck had the qualities of a leader, keen observation and judgment.
Connections
Schenck married Dorothea Ann Smith on July 27, 1829, and had two sons and two daughters.
References
-
Born
-
Died
February 21, 1882 (aged 74) -
Resting place
Woodland Cemetery, Dayton, Ohio, United States -
Nationality
American