Semmes, Raphael

1809 - Admiral Raphael Semmes, born on the 27th of September in Charles County, Maryland. He was an officer in the United States Navy.

1819 - He was orphaned at the age of ten.

1824 - He began training as a U.S. Navy Midshipman at the age of 15.

1849 - He moved to Mobile, Alabama so he could be close to the naval base in Pensacola, Florida and to practice law.

1861 - Resigned from the United States Navy and became a Commander in the Confederate States Navy.

1865 - He was promoted to Admiral and was put in command of the James River Squadron that was protecting Richmond.

1877 - died on the 30th of August after eating spoiled shrimp at his daughter's home in Point Clear, Alabama. He is buried with his wife Ann in Mobile Catholic Cemetery, a statue of Admiral Semmes stands over Government Street in Downtown Mobile.