Background
Coghlan, Joseph Bullock was born on December 9, 1844 in Frankfort, Kentucky, United States. Son of Cornelius and Lavinia (Fouke) Coghlan.
Coghlan, Joseph Bullock was born on December 9, 1844 in Frankfort, Kentucky, United States. Son of Cornelius and Lavinia (Fouke) Coghlan.
Appointed to the United States Naval Academy from Illinois, 1860, graduated 1863. Promoted ensign, May 28, 1863. Advanced through grades to rear admiral, April 11, 1902.
He served in the sloop-of-war Sacramento during the Civil War. As commander of the screw sloop Adams, Coghlan was military commander of the Department of Alaska from 15 September 1883 to 13 September 1884. During the Spanish–American War he led the expedition which captured the batteries at Cavite (2 May 1898) and at Isla Grande, Subic Bay (7 July) and commanded the protected cruiser Raleigh during the Battle of Manila Bay on 1 May 1898.
He was promoted to Rear Admiral in 1902.
He commanded American forces at Colón, Panama during the separation of Panama from Colombia in 1903. He died at New Rochelle, New New York
Two ships have been named United States Ship Coghlan in his honor.
Served Sacramento special service, 1863-1865.