Commodore John Barry

Commodore John Barry, regarded as the Father of the American Navy, was born in County Wexford in Ireland, but devoted his patriotism and usefulness to America. In the Revolutionary War that established the independence of the United States, he took an early and active part as a captain in the navy and later became its commander-in-chief. He fought often and was once wounded in the cause of freedom. His life of war did not diminish his virtues as a man, his piety as a Christian, or his practice as a Roman Catholic. In private life he was gentle, kind, and just, beloved by family and friends as well as by his grateful country. The extent and purposes of his charities were said to be known fully only when his dust would be reanimated and secret deeds openly rewarded. In full belief in the doctrines of the Gospel, he died peacefully on September 13, 1803, in the 59th year of his age.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · United States