John H. Packet (1790-1820) was born in Virginia and was commissioned as a midshipman in 1809, serving aboard the Constitution. He arrived in Erie in 1813 and was promoted to lieutenant a few days before the Battle of Lake Erie on September 10, 1813. During the battle, he commanded the schooner Ariel and was a valuable asset to Perry's fleet as the only naval officer in the battle with previous ship-to-ship combat experience. After the battle, Lieutenant Packet continued his service with the Great Lakes fleet, and he died in Erie of fever seven years later.