History of Saint Mary's County Maryland United States of America

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French Forrest, naval officer, was born in St. Mary's county, Md., in 1796; son of Col. Uriah Forrest (1756-1805). He was given a midshipman's warrant in the U.S. navy, June 9, 1811; serving with Captain Perry at Newport in 1812, and under Captain Lawrence on board the Hornet in its encounter with the Peacock, Feb. 24, 1813. He was promoted lieutenant March 5, 1817, commander Feb. 9, 1837, and captain March 30, 1844. He was adjutant-general of the land and naval forces in the war with Mexico, 1846-47, and directed the transportation of troops in the movements resulting in the capture of the Mexican capital. He resigned his commission in the U.S. navy in March, 1861, and was dismissed April 19, 1861, having joined the cause of the Confederacy. His first command was as flag-officer of the Virginia navy on board the tug Harmony in the two days' operations in Hampton Roads that resulted in the evacuation of the Norfolk navy yard by the U.S. naval force, April 18, 1861. He was thereupon made flag-officer of the yard and about April 25 was made commandant of the naval station at Norfolk, fitting out the fleet that made the attacks on the United States naval force in Hampton Roads, March 9, 1862. He ordered the destruction of the navy yard on May 10, and of the iron-clad Merrimac on May 11, 1862, to prevent their falling into the hands of the Federal forces. He commanded the James river squadron, 1862-63, with the rank of Commodore, and was assistant secretary of the navy, 1863-65. He was married to Emily Douglas, daughter of John Douglas and Mary (West) Simms; granddaughter of Col. Roger and Marianine (Craik) West; and great-granddaughter of Dr. James Craik (1730-1814). Their son, Dulany A. Forrest, born about 1827, graduated from the U.S. naval academy in 1847, was promoted passed midshipman, Aug. 10, master, Sept. 15, 1855, and lieutenant, Sept. 16, 1855; was dismissed from the U.S. service, Dec. 7, 1861, joined the Confederate cause, and died during the war. Another son, Moreau Forrest, entered the U.S. naval academy in 1858, left to enter U.S. naval service in 1861, was promoted lieutenant, Aug. 1, 1862, lieutenant commander, July 25, 1866, and died Nov. 24, 1866. Commodore Forrest died in Georgetown, D.C., Dec. 22, 1866.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

Uriah Forrest, soldier, was born in St. Mary's county, Md., in 1756. He served in the Revolutionary war, rising to the rank of colonel. He lost a leg at the battle of Brandywine and was so severely wounded at the battle of Germantown, Oct. 4, 1777, as to incapacitate him for further active service. He was a delegate to the continental congress, 1786-87, and a representative in the 3d U. S. congress, 1793-94, resigning in 1794 when he was succeeded by Benjamin Edwards wire completed his term. In 1795 he was commissioned major-general of Maryland militia. He was clerk of the circuit court of the District of Columbia, 1800-1805, and served several terms in the legislature of Maryland. He died in Georgetown, D.C., April, 1805.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

History of Saint Mary's County Maryland

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