Washington

DEWEY, George

Encyclopedia Vermont Biography: A Series of Authentic Biographical Sketches 
of the Representative Men of Vermont and Sons of Vermont in Other States. 
Dodge. Burlington: Ullery Publishing Company, 1912, p 170

George DEWEY, Admiral of the Navy, Washington D. C., was born 26 December 
1837 at Montpelier [Washington County, Vermont], son of Dr. Julius Yemans and 
Mary (PERCIVAL) DEWEY. Preparatory education at Montpelier public schools; 
Norwich University; appointed to Naval Academy 23 September 1854; graduated 
1858, LL. D., University of Pennsylvania, Princeton University 1898. 
Attached to steam frigate "Wabash," Mediterranean squadron, until 1861, then 
to steam sloop "Mississippi" of West Gulf squadron; commissioned Lieutenant 
19 April 1861; in FARRAGUT's squadron which forced the passage of Fort St. 
Philip and Fort Jackson, April 1862, and participated in attack on Fort St. 
Philip and the subsequent fights with gunboats and ironclads which gave 
FARRAGUT possession of New Orleans. In the smoke of the battle of Port 
Hudson the "Mississippi" lost her bearings and ran ashore under the guns of 
the land batteries, and the officers and men took to the boats after setting 
the vessel on fire. Was afterwards on several vessels in North Atlantic 
blockading squadron, then in European squadron, and later on various duties 
and at different stations, being promoted Commander in April 1872, Captain in 
September 1884, Commodore 09 February 1896.

In January 1898 assumed command of Asiatic squadron; on 01 May 1898 he 
commanded in the battle of Manila Bay, completely annihilating the Spanish 
Asiatic squadron under Admiral MONTOJO, destroying eleven and capturing all 
other vessels without the loss of a man on the American side. Immediately 
upon receipt of official news of victory, was promoted to Rear Admiral and 
thanked by resolution of Congress; subsequently (05 March 1899) made Admiral 
of the Navy, by Act of Congress, approved 02 March 1899; on 28 September 
1899, an official party of seventeen Vermonters headed by Bvt. Maj.-Gen. 
Theodore S. PECK, adjutant general, visited Admiral DEWEY on board the 
flagship "Olympia" in New York harbor, and informed him that a grand welcome 
awaited him among the green hills of his native state.

The date for the reception having been set for 12 October 1899, the admiral 
journeyed by special train to Shelburne Farms on Tuesday, 10 October, where 
he was the guest of Dr. W. Seward WEBB, being greeted on his arrival by 3,000 
people. At Montpelier, 12 October, a royal welcome was given "Admiral DEWEY, 
Vermont's most distinguished son," the hero of Manila Bay being greeted by 
50,000 people. Among the events of the day was the conferring of the degree 
of LL.D. by the University of Vermont. On the following day, Admiral DEWEY 
laid the cornerstone to Dewey Hall, Norwich University, Northfield, the 
oration being delivered by Hon. Chauncey M. DEPEW of New York. Office at 
Mills Building; residence at 1601 K Street, Washington, D. C. In 1867 he 
[George DEWEY] married Susie, daughter of Gov. Echabod GOODWIN of New 
Hampshire; she [Susie DEWEY] died in 1872. In 1899 he [George DEWEY] married 
Mrs. Mildred (McLEAN) HAZEN of Washington [D. C.].

Submitted by Cathy Kubly