- BIRTH: 6 JAN 1855, Binghamton,,NY
- BURIAL: ,,,3906
Father: Charles Williams SEARS
Mother: Augusta R HOWE
_Charles SEARS __________
_Charles Williams SEARS _|
| |_Cynthia Marie WILLIAMS _
|
|--James Hamilton SEARS
|
| _________________________
|_Augusta R HOWE _________|
|_________________________
INDEX
Notes
!S.P. May handnotes Lt James Hamilton Sears, was born and educated in
Binghamton, NY; entered Annapolis Naval School, 20 Sep 1871, and graduated
with the rank of Ensign, 20 Jun 1876. For three years he was a "Middy" or
as now called, Ensign on the Tennessee, which guarded American interests at
China, Japan and Siam. Retunrning from the three years cruise he entered the
Naval Observatory at Washington, where he spent a year or more. He was
subsequntly attached to the Kearsarge as Ensign. His next detachment was at
the navy yard at Charleston, from where he secured an appointment under Capt
Schley at that time in command of the Baltimore. This latter detachment
brought Lt Sears into the midst of events that have a place in the history of
the United States. The Baltimore conveyed the remains of Ericson, the famous
inventor, to his birthplace, Sweden. This service performed, the Baltimore
sailed to the Mediterranean where after a short stay, the cruiser was ordered
to Chili, where hostilities had broken out. The attack made on a party of
sailors from the Baltimore, and the tragic death of a number of American naval
men is a matter of history. Some of the sailors from the Baltimore were taken
prisoners and Lt Sears was sent on shore to secure their release. This
dangerous errand was successfully performed, by him and his men, although he
was compelled to spend several days in jial. The Chilian incident closed, the
Baltimore returned to the United States. Lt Sears was ordered to Alaska to
make a government survey. After interesting and adventurous experiences in
Alaska, he was placed in command of the survey boat McArthur, which patrolled
the Pacific coast in the vicinity of the bay of San Francisco. Lt Sears
prepared a complete history of the Chilian incident which was published by the
givernment. His thorough knowledge of naval matters as well as his
intelligence and ability to express himself, brought him in to demand by the
government, as a lecturer on naval craft defense in the Naval COllege at
Newport. From there he went to the Naval Home at Philadelphia, where his stay
was abruptly terminated by the trouble with Spain. While at Philadelphia Lt
Sears was honored by Capt Schley, who had been given command of the Flying
Squadron. In selecting his officers, Capt Schley did not forget his
associates on the Baltimore, men he knew to be brave, fearless and
trustqworthy. Lt Sears was one of these, and to him fell the position of Flag
lieutenant. It has been proven an important position, but Lt Sears has been
equal to it, and has brought honor to himself and his country.
!S.P. May p.527 app. Mid. US Navy, 20 Sep 1871; grad 20 Jun The 1876, Ensign
!Who's Who in New York City and State, 1904, LR Hamersly Co, NYC, p.526
Lieutenant-commander, US Navy; appointed from NY; entered Naval Academy, 20 Sep
1871; graduated 20 Jun 1876. Ensign, 1 Dec 1877; lieutenant (junioe grade) 2
Dec 1884; Asiatic Station, 1875; Kearsarge, North Atlantic Station, 1879-80;
Naval Academy, 1881; training ship PORTSMOUTH, 1882-4; Naval Observatory, 1885;
Nautical School-ship, St Mary's, 1886-8; steamer BALTIMORE, 1889 to Aug 1892.
Promoted lieutenant 20 Sep 1890; War College, OCt 1892 to Nov 1893; leave of
absence Nov 1893-4; C.S.S. Pattterson, Mar 1894; C.S.S. McArthur Apr 1894-97;
Naval Home, May 1897 to Apr 1898; USS Brooklyn, Apr 1898 to 1899; Torpedo
Station, 18 May 1899; Chicago, 18 Nov 1899. Was promoted to
lieutenant-commander, 29 Mar 1899; Bureau Hydrographic Office, NY, 1 Jun 1901
to 1903; USS Brooklyn, 1903. Address care Navy Dept, Wash DC.
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