John Minor Maury facts for kids
John Minor Maury (1795 – 23 June 1824) was a brave lieutenant in the United States Navy. His exciting life story was written about in a book called Early Settlers of Alabama.
Contents
Biography
John Minor Maury was born near Fredericksburg, Virginia. He was the older brother of the famous ocean scientist and naval officer, Commodore Matthew Fontaine Maury. John joined the United States Navy as a young midshipman when he was just thirteen years old.
Early Adventures at Sea
John had many thrilling adventures, especially in the South Pacific Ocean. Once, his life was saved by Captain David Porter from the ship Essex. John and other sailors had been left on the island of Nuku Hiva for two years. They were supposed to collect sandalwood, but a war with England started, and their ship couldn't return for them. During this time, they faced very difficult survival conditions because of tribal wars on the island. Luckily, Captain Porter rescued them.
John Minor Maury also fought alongside Captain Porter on the Essex during a tough battle with the English near Valparaiso. Later, he fought with Commander Macdonough in the Battle of Lake Champlain. John's letters about his adventures, which he sent home, are thought to be a big reason why his younger brother, Matthew, also decided to join the Navy.
Family Connections
John Minor Maury was the grandson of James Maury. He was also the father of Dabney Herndon Maury, who later became a Major General in the American Civil War. Dabney also started the Southern Historical Society and was appointed as the U.S. Minister to Colombia, South America.
John Minor Maury was named after his grandfather, General John Minor. This name has been passed down through many generations in his family. His brother, Matthew Fontaine Maury, even had a nephew also named John Minor Maury, who was part of a Navy expedition in 1854.
John served on the Essex and later on the Essex Junior. The Essex Junior brought home the survivors, including Captain David Porter, after the Essex was lost in battle.
During the War of 1812, John played an important part in the Battle of Lake Champlain. Under Commander Thomas Macdonough, the American fleet won a complete victory over the British ships. John Minor Maury wrote to a friend, saying, "We have gained a glorious victory!"
Fighting Pirates
After the war with England, pirates in the West Indies became a big problem for ships. Captain David Porter (naval officer) was ordered to put together a group of ships to stop them. He chose Lieutenant John Minor Maury to be his "flag captain" for the fleet. This meant John was in charge of giving orders for all the ships' movements.
The fights against the pirates were very intense, and the Navy worked hard to destroy or scatter them all. As a special thank you for his excellent service, Commander David Porter chose Lieutenant John Minor Maury to deliver the report of their success to the United States Government.
Final Voyage and Legacy
John sailed on a ship called the Decoy. Sadly, he died of yellow fever in June 1824, at the young age of twenty-eight. He passed away just outside the Capes of Norfolk and was buried at sea.
John Minor Maury was a first lieutenant of a frigate, and by age twenty-six, he was the flag captain of the fleet. Other naval officers of his time, like Tatnall and Buchanan, believed he was one of the youngest and smartest sailors in the American Navy.
