William Henry Hudson Southerland

Born in New York City, Southerland first joined the Union Navy as a volunteer towards the end of the Civil War, despite being only twelve years old, serving for only a brief time. He re-enlisted in early 1867 as a naval apprentice, finally entered the United States Naval Academy in June 1868, shortly before his sixteenth birthday.

After graduating from the Academy in June 1872 he served aboard the sloop Tuscarora.[1] After a year at sea, he was commissioned as an ensign.[2]

Over the next 37 years, he served in varied positions at sea and ashore, including duty with the Hydrographic Office, the Bureau of Equipment, and the Board of Inspection and Survey. During the Spanish–American War, he commanded the gunboat Eagle in the blockade of Cuban ports; and, in 1905, he returned to the Caribbean to command Yankee and to act as Senior Officer, Naval Forces in Santo Domingo.[2] Promoted to captain in 1906,[1] he commanded the battleship New Jersey (BB-16) of the Great White Fleet in 1907–09.[3]

Appointed rear admiral on May 4, 1910, he served as President of the Board of Inspection and Survey for Shore Stations until becoming Commander, 2d Division, Pacific Fleet in March 1911,[2] and commanded naval forces in the Nicaragua Expedition.[1] A year later, he became Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet; and, in March 1913, he left the fleet to take up duties on the General Board.[2]

On his retirement on July 10, 1914 Southerland was the last Civil War naval veteran still in active service, and one of very few to rise from enlisted man to admiral in the course of his career.[1]

Rear Admiral Southerland died in Washington, D.C., on January 30, 1933.[2]

The destroyer USS Southerland (DD-743) (1944–1981) was named in his honor.

• This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. The entry can be found here.