Roster of the U.S.S. Ceres
We are interested in obtaining copies of any records, photos, diaries or letters pertaining to these Sailors. We are also interested in receiving family information and grave location. Also of interest would be ship information, photos or drawings. Additions, changes or comments to this roster are welcome. Please respond to Edward Boots.
Abstract Log of the Ceres during the Battle of Plymouth
Not only was the Ceres present at the Battle of Plymouth,
it was used later to tow the captured Albemarle to Norfolk, VA.
Sailors are listed by Name - Rank - Race (If other than White) - Service History
BELL, Felix - Landsman.
BENSON, John - Landsman. Born about 1842 in England. Enlisted 30 Nov 63 at New York, a 21 year old Printer. Assigned to the Minnesota prior to the Ceres. Wounded 17 April 64 during an engagement with 6 batteries on the Roanoke River, NC near Fort Gray. Captured 20 April 64. Discharged 1 July 65.
BRENNAN, Michael - Landsman.
CARMACK, John - Landsman - Mulatto - Born in Baltimore, MD. Enlisted 2 Feb 64 at Baltimore, MD; a 20 year old Waiter. Later was assigned to the USS Kineo. Discharged 18 Feb 65.
CONNER, James - Coal Heaver - 2nd Class Fireman. Enlisted 15 Dec 63 at New York, NY. First served on the North Carolina and Alleghany prior to the Ceres. Discharged 14 Dec 64 at New Bern, NC. Enlisted 16 March 1875 at Philadelphia, PA as a 1st Class Fireman in the U.S. Navy and served until 1897. Admitted to the Naval Home, Philadelphia, PA.
DEAN, George A. - Acting Third Assistant Engineer. Born 1841. Rated Acting Third Assistant Engineer on 6 Jan 1864. Wounded 17 April 64 in the left foot by a shell during an engagement with 6 batteries on the Roanoke River, NC near Fort Gray. Captured 19 April 1864 at Plymouth, NC. Arrived 19 May 64 at General Hospital No. 7 (Fair Grounds Hospital), Raleigh, NC. Transferred 28 May 65 to Salisbury, NC. Released. Resigned 29 March 1865. Married to Alice. Living in Baltimore, MD in 1890. Died 1922 in Frederick, MD. Buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Frederick, MD. Headstone
DENNETT, Robert O. - 2nd Assistant Engineer. Born about 1830 in New Hampshire, the son of Nathaniel & Catherine Dennett. Enrolled from Portsmouth, Rockingham Co., NH. Rated Acting 3d Assistant Engineer on 17 Dec 62 and Acting 2nd Assistant Engineer on 1 Feb 64. Appointment to 2nd Assistant Engineer revoked 10 Oct 64 due to illness. Assigned to the USS Delaware in 1864. Steam Engineer after the war. Died 9 Nov 1882 in Somerville, Middlesex Co., MA. Buried in Union Cemetery, Portsmouth, NH. Headstone
DONNELLY, Peter - Landsman. Born about 1842 in Maine. Enlisted 30 Sept 63 at New York, a 21 year old Laborer. First served on the Minnesota. Discharged 22 Nov 64.
DUBBS, Abraham Light - Landsman. Born 10 Dec 1839 in Lebanon Co., PA, son of David & Veronica Frances (Light) Dubbs. Enlisted 30 Sept 63 at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, U.S. Recruiting Ship North Carolina, a Shoemaker from Lebanon, PA. Served on the Ceres and Savannah. Discharged 22 Nov 64 from the Savannah at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Married to Justina Bromwell? in 1868 at Lebanon, PA. Justina died in 1872. Died 29 Jan 1905. Buried in Mount Lebanon Cemetery, Lebanon, Lebanon Co., PA. Headstone
FLYNN, John J. - Landsman. Born Jan 1845 in Bangor, Penobscot Co., Maine. Enlisted 4 April 63 at Boston, MA at age 18. Assigned Feb 64 to the Ceres. Wounded 17 April 64 during an engagement with 6 batteries on the Roanoke River, NC near Fort Gray. A shell struck the Ceres and took his right arm off and part of his left. Taken to the hospital at Plymouth, NC. Captured 20 April 1864 at Plymouth. Stayed behind at Plymouth with the wounded. Arrived 19 May 64 at General Hospital No. 7 (Fair Grounds Hospital), Raleigh, NC. Transferred 21 May 65 to Andersonville, GA. Admitted 30 May 64 to the prison hospital at Andersonville due to Vulnus Sclopeticum (gunshot wound). Returned 29 Sept 64 to the stockade. Exchanged via Libby Prison, under guard, then to Washington for discharge 2 Nov 64. Harbor Master at Bangor, ME & member of Beale Post GAR. Died 1 Dec 1920 in Bangor, ME.
FOSTER, Henry H. - Acting Master. Born in New York. Rated Acting Master's Mate 6 March 62 and Acting Master 8 May 62. Assigned as the commanding officer of the Ceres in 1864. In command of the Ceres on May 5, 1864 during the Battle of Albemarle Sound against the ram Albemarle. Honorably discharged 4 Nov 65.
FOSTER or FOWLER, Richard - 3d Assistant Engineer.
FRANK, John A. - 3d Assistant Engineer. Born in Virginia. Enlisted from Maryland. Rated Acting 3d Assistant Engineer 24 Nov 63. Slightly wounded 17 April 64 during an engagement with 6 batteries on the Roanoke River, NC near Fort Gray. Honorably discharged 26 July 65. Re-entered the Navy as Acting 3d Assistant Engineer 24 March 1866. Assigned to the USS Miantonomoh with the European Squadron in 1867. Also listed as FRANKS.
GALLAGHER, Edward - Quarter Master.
GIDDINGS, Edward - Landsman - Black - Born about 1840 in Baltimore, MD. Enrolled 18 Jan 64 at Baltimore, MD; a 24 year old Waiter. Crucifiction tatoo on right arm. Loss of first joint on ring finger on right hand. Worked as a Waiter after the war.
HAND, Alexander - Quartermaster. Naval Medal of Honor. Born 1836 in Brandywine Hundred, New Castle Co., Delaware, the son of Alexander & Rebecca Hand. Enlisted 24 June 1857 at New York as an Ordinary Seaman for 3 years at age 21. Served onboard a man-of-war ship. Enlisted 27 June 61 at Annapolis, MD as Ordinary Seaman at age 27. Assigned to the Ceres on 1 Sept 61. Served on board the U.S.S. Ceres in the fight near Hamilton, Roanoke River, NC on 9 July 1862. Fired on by the enemy with small arms. He courageously returned the raking enemy fire and was spoken of for "good conduct and cool bravery under enemy fire," by the commanding officer. Not at the Battle of Plymouth.
HARTY, Patrick - Landsman. Born about 1842 in Ireland. Enlisted 30 Sept 63 at New York, a 21 year old Laborer. First served on the Minnesota. Died 23 Sept 1864 of Yellow Fever.
HILL, Robert - 2nd Class Boy - Black - Born in Bertie Co., NC. Enlisted 1 Feb 63 at Plymouth, NC; a 19 year old Slave. Served on the Commodore Perry until transferred to the Southfield. Transferred to the Ceres after the sinking of the Southfield. Deserted 1 July 64.
HITCHENS, William - Landsman - Mulatto - Born in Baltimore, MD. Enlisted 2 Feb 64 at Baltimore, MD; a 20 year old Waiter. Discharged 16 March 65.
HOPKINS, James B. - Acting Master's Mate. Born in Massachusetts. Rated Acting Master's Mate 22 or 28 Jan 63. Slightly wounded 17 April 64 during an engagement with 6 batteries on the Roanoke River, NC near Fort Gray. Honorably discharged 26 Oct 65.
JAMES, William - Landsman & Coal Heaver. Born in England. Enlisted 3 Oct 63 at New York. First served on the Minnesota. Admitted 30 June 64 to the US Navy Hospital, New Bern, NC with Pleuritis & Phthisis Pulmonalis. Discharged 22 Aug 64 at the US Navy Hospital, Norfolk, VA.
JONES, Isaiah - Landsman & Ordinary Seaman - Mulatto. Born in Chestertown, Kent Co., MD. 5' 11" Enlisted 26 April 1850 in Baltimore, MD as a Landsman. Served on the Ontario until 18 May then the Pennsylvania until May 30th when he was assigned to the Congress until 4 Feb 53. Assigned to the Relief until 23 April 53 when he was discharged. Enlisted 7 Feb 64 at Baltimore, MD as a Landsman; a 36 year old Cook & Waiter. Wounded 5 May 64 in the Albemarle Sound when a shell came in the boat and blew up the ward room steps. A piece of a plank stuck him in the hip and injured his testicles. Served until 9 Aug 64. Admitted 7 - 17 Oct 64 to the hospital at Norfolk, VA with Chronic Orchitis of the right testicle. Next served on the Wyandotte from which he was discharged 6 Feb 65 in Norfolk, VA. In 1894 he was working as a hat presser. Died 22 Jan 1900 and buried in Loudon Park National Cemetery, VA, Section L, Grave 716.
KEATING, James - Coal Heaver. Born about 1832 in England. Enlisted 15 Dec 63 at New York, a 31 year old Carman. Assigned 4 Feb 64 to the Ceres. Admitted 16 June 64 with Pleurisy & Ulcers on left leg below knee to the US Navy Hospital, New Bern, NC. Transferred 2 July 64 to the US Navy Hospital, Norfolk, VA. Discharged 14 Dec 64 from US Navy Hospital, at Norfolk, VA.
KELLEY, John - Second Class Fireman. Naval Medal of Honor. Born in Ireland. Enlisted 9 Sept 61. Served as second class fireman on board the Ceres in the fight near Hamilton, Roanoke River, NC on 9 July 62. When his ship was fired on by the enemy with small arms, Kelley returned with raking fire, courageously carrying out his duties through the engagement and was spoken of for "good conduct and cool bravery under enemy fires," by the commanding officer. Discharged 8 Sept 62.
KOONTZ, John William - 2nd Class Fireman. Born about 1840 in Baltimore, MD. Enlisted 10 Jan 63 at Baltimore, MD. Also served on the Allegheny & North Carolina. Assigned 13 Feb 63 to the Ceres. Discharged 13 July 65. Married about 1873 to Matilda "Tillie." Died 27 July 1921 at Washington, DC. Buried in Arlington National Cemetery, VA. Headstone.
LYNN, Robert - Coal Heaver.
McCOY, Francis - 1st Class Fireman. Born in Providence, RI. Enlisted 11 Feb 63 as a Landsman at Baltimore, MD, a 23 year old Machinist. Admitted 30 June 64 to the U.S. Naval Hospital, New Bern, NC with Ulcus of the right leg below the knee. Admitted 2 July 64 to the U.S. Naval Hospital, Portsmouth, VA, where he was Discharged for Disability on 15 Oct 64.
McDEARMID, John - Acting Volunteer Lieutenant.
MULLEN, Thomas - Landsman. Born about 1843 in Ireland. Enlisted 1 Oct 63 at New York, a 20 year old Laborer. First served on the Minnesota. Discharged 22 Nov 64 at Savannah, GA.
MYERS, George R. - 2nd Class Fireman. Enlisted 14 Feb 63 at Baltimore, MD. Discharged 13 July 65.
O'BRIEN, Thomas - Landsman.
PASCALL, Samuel - Landsman & Ship's Cook. Mulatto. Born 1830 in Baltimore, MD. First mustered in 20 June 63, serving aboard the Wyoming serving one year. Enlisted 25 Jan 64 in Baltimore, MD; a 34 year old Cook & Waiter. Mustered in 31 March 64. Killed 17 April 64 during an engagement with 6 batteries on the Roanoke River, NC near Fort Gray. His body was taken ashore and placed in the basement of the Quartermaster's Building.
PETERSON, John - Seaman. Enlisted 22 June 61 at New York, NY. First served on the Savannah, Sabine & Minnesota prior to the Ceres. Wounded 17 April 64 during an engagement with 6 batteries on the Roanoke River, NC near Fort Gray. Taken prisoner. No further record.
POPE, Austin - Landsman. Born about 1845 in Patterson, NJ, son of Lucinda Pope. Enlisted 6 Oct 63 at New York, NY, a 22 year old Boiler Maker.
POWERS, George - Seaman. Born in England. Enlisted 12 Feb 63 at Baltimore, MD, a 21 year old Painter from NY.
REED, Wallace W. - Acting Master's Mate. Rated Acting Master's Mate 10 Sep 61. Resigned 9 Nov 64 due to illness.
ROSE, William - 1st Class Fireman - Born about 1835 in Lancaster Co., PA, son of James and Elizabeth Rose. Enlisted 22 May 61 at Annapolis, MD, a 26 year old 5' 6 1/2" Machine Blacksmith. Killed 17 April 64 during an engagement with 6 batteries on the Roanoke River, NC near Fort Gray. His body was taken ashore and placed in the basement of the Quartermaster's Building. Mother Elizabeth remarried to Samuel Hind. She applied 1869 for a pension.
RUSSELL, T. S. - Acting Ensign. Admitted 25 Sept 64 to the U.S. Naval Hospital, Norfolk, VA.
SCHAPPART, Jacob - Coal Heaver. Born about 1839 in NY. Enlisted 14 Dec 63 at New York, NY, a 24 year old Teamster.
SHARKS, Joshua - Landsman.
SHEA, Columbus - 1st Class Boy. Born about 1846 in Maryland, son of John Henry & Mary Ellen (Leary) Shea. Also served on the Allegheny. Enrolled 24 Nov 63. Mustered out 11 June 65. Married 5 July 1869 to Laura Virginia Shank. Living in Dunbar, Fayette Co., PA in 1890. Died 19 May 1892 in Dixmont Hospital, Allegheny Co., PA. Buried in Deer Park Cemetery, Garrett Co., MD. Headstone
SHERWOOD, John Roberts - Acting 3rd Assistant Engineer - Born 16 July 1843 in Fells Point, Baltimore, MD, son of John Porter & Rebecca (Fox) Sherwood. Enrolled 5 Jan 64. Slightly wounded 17 April 64 during an engagement with 6 batteries on the Roanoke River, NC near Fort Gray. Sent to hospital. Mustered out 23 July 1869. Married to Isabella Miller. Died 25 April 1929 in Baltimore, MD. Buried in Druid Ridge Cemetery, Pikesville, Baltimore Co., MD. Headstone
SMITH, Peter - Seaman.
SMITH, Thomas - Landsman.
SOMERS, John - Seaman. Enlisted 4 Oct 62 at Baltimore, MD. Discharged 9 June 65.
TENNIHAN, Patrick James - Landsman. He was born in Ireland around 1842 and lived in South Boston, MA. Served on the Ceres in 1861. Enrolled 10 Sept 61. Discharged 9 Sept 62. Married 6 Oct 1866 to Bridget L. O`Connor at St. Mary's Church, Boston, MA. They had 7 children. Died 24 July 1880 at Boston, MA. Bob Tennihan
TOUCHTON, William H. - 3d Assistant Engineer. Born about 1840 in Maryland. Rated Acting 3d Assistant Engineer 31 March 64. Honorably discharged 9 Jan 1866. Re-entered the Navy on 9 Oct 1866 as Acting 3d Assistant Engineer. Assigned to the USS Daffodil on the North Atlantic Squadron in 1867. Mustered out 28 April 1869. Widow Susan re-married to Joshua L. Beaumont.
WESKETT, Samuel M. - Acting Ensign & Pilot. Born about 1826 in Tyrrell Co., NC. Married 7 Aug 1851 to Emily Godwin in Tyrrell Co., NC. Served on a merchant vessel prior to the war. Enlisted 29 Aug 63, a Mariner from Elizabeth City, NC. Ruptured hernia on both sides during the Battle of Plymouth by being struck by a shell fragment from the Ram Albemarle. Served on the Ceres until 28 June 65. Discharged 5 Aug 65 at Norfolk Naval Yard. Certified 3 Jan 67 as a 2nd Class Pilot of Steamboats in Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries and the inland waters of NC. Moved to Berkley, Norfolk Co., VA after the war.
WILSON, Peter - Carpenter's Mate.
WOOD, John - Landsman. Enlisted 3 Oct 63 at New York, NY. Served in the North Atlantic Squadron and then the Minnesota prior to the Ceres. Died 2 Oct 64 at the U.S. Naval Hospital, Norfolk, VA.
WOODHULL, Byron Joseph - Pay Steward. Born 4 April 1841 in Pultneyville, Wayne Co., NY, the son of Ezra R. & Elizabeth (Waters) Woodhull. Enlisted 10 Feb `64. Mustered out 15 Feb `65. Married Louise Stanford. Died 30 Oct 1911 in Pultneyville, Wayne Co., NY and buried in Lakeview Cemetery. Headstone
WOODMAN, John - Acting Masters Mate. Died 28 October 1864. Buried in New Bern National Cemetery, NC. Grave 106. Headstone