Schley, Winfield Scott, 1839-1911

Dates

• Existence: 1839 - 1911

Biography

Winfield Scott Schley was born in 1839, near Frederick, Maryland. Schley graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1860, and went as midshipman on board the frigate "Niagara" to China and Japan. On his return in 1861, the American Civil War was in progress. He was made master, and was assigned to the Potomac of the Western Gulf Squadron until 1862. He then served on the sidewheel gunboat "Winona" of that Squadron, and later on the sloops "Monongahela" and "Richmond," and participated in all the engagements that led to the capture of Port Hudson, Louisiana, in 1863. Schley also suppressed an insurrection of Chinese workers on the Chincha Islands in 1865, and later in the same year landed at La Union, San Salvador, to protect American interests during a revolution. From 1866 to 1869, he was an instructor in the United States Naval Academy. Schley also served in the Spanish American War where he became the hero of the Battle of Santiago de Cuba. On 14 April 1899, Schley was commissioned rear admiral, ranking as major general. In November 1899, he was put in command of the South Atlantic Squadron, and, on 9 October 1901, he retired from active service upon reaching the age limit. He died on October 2, 1911.

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