Andrew Boyd Cummings
Encyclopedia
Andrew Boyd Cummings was an officer in the United States Navy
during the American Civil War
who was killed in action off the coast of Louisiana
. Two naval ships, USS Cummings
, have been named in his honor.
, Cummings was appointed midshipman
in 1846, but was detached from the Naval Academy
the next year for active duty in Brandywine, returning to school in 1852.
During the Civil War, he served with distinction in Admiral
David Farragut
's West Gulf Blockading Squadron as the Executive Officer of Richmond
, participating in the action at Forts Jackson and Saint Philip
, Louisiana
. He showed conspicuous gallantry as the squadron passed the batteries of Port Hudson, Louisiana, 14–15 March 1863, and died of wounds received in that action, at New Orleans
, 18 March 1863. He was interred in his family's plot in Laurel Hill Cemetery
, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
during the American Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
who was killed in action off the coast of Louisiana
Louisiana
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
. Two naval ships, USS Cummings
USS Cummings
USS Cummings has been the name of more than one United States Navy ship, and may refer to:, a Cassin-class destroyer in commission from 1913 to 1934, a Mahan-class destroyer in commission from 1935 to 1947See also:...
, have been named in his honor.
Biography
Born in Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaPennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
, Cummings was appointed midshipman
Midshipman
A midshipman is an officer cadet, or a commissioned officer of the lowest rank, in the Royal Navy, United States Navy, and many Commonwealth navies. Commonwealth countries which use the rank include Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Kenya...
in 1846, but was detached from the Naval Academy
United States Naval Academy
The United States Naval Academy is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located in Annapolis, Maryland, United States...
the next year for active duty in Brandywine, returning to school in 1852.
During the Civil War, he served with distinction in Admiral
Admiral
Admiral is the rank, or part of the name of the ranks, of the highest naval officers. It is usually considered a full admiral and above vice admiral and below admiral of the fleet . It is usually abbreviated to "Adm" or "ADM"...
David Farragut
David Farragut
David Glasgow Farragut was a flag officer of the United States Navy during the American Civil War. He was the first rear admiral, vice admiral, and admiral in the United States Navy. He is remembered in popular culture for his order at the Battle of Mobile Bay, usually paraphrased: "Damn the...
's West Gulf Blockading Squadron as the Executive Officer of Richmond
USS Richmond (1860)
The USS Richmond was a wooden steam sloop in the United States Navy during the American Civil War.-Service in the Caribbean :Richmond was launched on 26 January 1860 by the Norfolk Navy Yard; sponsored by a Miss Robb. Richmond, commanded by Captain D. N. Ingraham, departed Norfolk, Virginia 13...
, participating in the action at Forts Jackson and Saint Philip
Fort St. Philip
Fort St. Philip is a decommissioned masonry fort located on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River, about up river from its mouth in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana...
, Louisiana
Louisiana
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
. He showed conspicuous gallantry as the squadron passed the batteries of Port Hudson, Louisiana, 14–15 March 1863, and died of wounds received in that action, at New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a major United States port and the largest city and metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana. The New Orleans metropolitan area has a population of 1,235,650 as of 2009, the 46th largest in the USA. The New Orleans – Metairie – Bogalusa combined statistical area has a population...
, 18 March 1863. He was interred in his family's plot in Laurel Hill Cemetery
Laurel Hill Cemetery
Laurel Hill Cemetery, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the second major garden or rural cemetery in the United States. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1998, one of only a few cemeteries to receive the distinction....
, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.