Hilary A. Herbert facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hilary Herbert
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| 33rd United States Secretary of the Navy | |
| In office March 7, 1893 – March 4, 1897 |
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| President | Grover Cleveland |
| Preceded by | Benjamin F. Tracy |
| Succeeded by | John Long |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Alabama's 2nd district |
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| In office March 4, 1877 – March 3, 1893 |
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| Preceded by | Jeremiah Norman Williams |
| Succeeded by | Jesse F. Stallings |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Hilary Abner Herbert
March 12, 1834 Laurens, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Died | March 6, 1919 (aged 84) Tampa, Florida, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa University of Virginia, Charlottesville |
| Signature |  |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States |
| Branch/service |  Confederate States Army |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Commands | 8th Regiment Alabama Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Hilary Abner Herbert (born March 12, 1834 – died March 6, 1919) was an important American politician. He served as the United States Secretary of the Navy under President Grover Cleveland. Before that, he was a member of the United States House of Representatives for the state of Alabama.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Hilary Herbert was born in Laurensville, South Carolina, in 1834. When he was 12 years old, his family moved to Greenville, Alabama. He went to college at the University of Alabama and the University of Virginia. After finishing his studies, he became a lawyer in Greenville.
Military Service in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Herbert joined the Confederate States Army. He started as a second lieutenant. He later became a captain and then a colonel. He led the Eighth Regiment, Alabama Infantry. Colonel Herbert was injured during the Battle of the Wilderness on May 6, 1864.
Political Career in Congress
After the war, Herbert went back to being a lawyer in Greenville. In 1877, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He represented Montgomery, Alabama as a member of the Democratic Party. He served in Congress for eight terms, which is 16 years.
During his time in Congress, Herbert became the chairman of the Committee on Naval Affairs. This committee was in charge of decisions about the United States Navy. He played a big role in getting more money for the Navy. This funding helped to rebuild and strengthen the U.S. Navy. However, he wanted a smaller navy than some others. For example, in 1890, Secretary of the Navy Benjamin F. Tracy wanted 40 battleships. Herbert and others helped make sure only four battleships were approved at that time.
Other Congressional Work
Herbert also had a public disagreement with a scientist named Othniel Charles Marsh. This happened when Herbert tried to reduce funding for the United States Geological Survey.
In 1893, President Grover Cleveland chose Hilary Herbert to be the Secretary of the Navy. Even though there was an economic downturn called the Panic of 1893, Herbert worked hard to improve the Navy. He helped prepare the fleet for possible conflicts, like the future Spanish–American War.
During his time as Secretary, the Navy grew stronger. Five new battleships were approved. These included ships from the Kearsarge and Illinois classes. Sixteen new torpedo boats were also authorized.
Later Life and Legacy
After leaving his job as Secretary of the Navy in 1897, Herbert continued to practice law. He worked in Washington, D.C. until he passed away on March 6, 1919.
Namesake Ship
A ship in the U.S. Navy, the USS Herbert (DD-160), was named in honor of Secretary Herbert.
Images for kids
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Secretary Herbert meeting with Commander Robert Lees Phythian
