Background
Trenchard, Stephen Decatur was born on July 10, 1818 in Brooklyn. Son of Captain Edward and Eliza (Sands) Trenchard.
Trenchard, Stephen Decatur was born on July 10, 1818 in Brooklyn. Son of Captain Edward and Eliza (Sands) Trenchard.
Entered Kenyon College, Gambier, O., 1829.
Entered United States Navy as midshipman, 1834, passed midshipman, 1840. Served in Mediterranean, 1840-1844. Assigned to coast survey, 1844.
Joined Commodore Perry’s Squadron off Vera Cruz, took part in expedition against Tabasco, 1847.
Commissioned Lieutenant, 1847. In command ship Vixen, 1856, rescued British vessel Adieu off Gloucester, Massachusetts, presented sword by Queen Victoria as reward.
Commanded ship Keystone State during Civil War, helped save Cumberland from capture. 1861; commanded brig Rhode Island with orders to transport supplies to blockading squadrons, 1861.
On blockade duty, 1862.
Joined Admiral Porter’s fleet at Hampton Roads, 1864, participated in both attacks on Fort Fisher. Commissioned commander, 1862, captain, 1866. Executive officer New York Navv Yard, 1866-1869.
Made member Board Naval Examiners, 1872.
Lighthouse inspector, 1873-1875. Promoted rear admiral, 1875.
Commanded North Atlantic Squadron, 1876-1878. Retired, 1880.
Member Board Naval Examiners, 1872.
Married Ann O’Conner Barclay, December, 1848, 1 son, Edward.