Lester Anthony Beardslee – Rear Admiral, United States Navy

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From a series of contemporary reports:

Born at Little Falls, New York, 1 February 1836, the son of John and Mary (Anthony) Beardslee. Likely related to Grove Spooner Beardslee, United States Navy.

Educated at local schools. Married Evelyn Small, January 1863. Retired to Beaufort, South Carolina. Died in Augusta, Georgia, 10 November 1903.

Acting Midshipman, 5 March 1850. Captain, 26 November 1880, Commodore, 23 January 1894, Rear Admiral, 21 May 1895, placed on the retired list, 1 February 1898.

While on USS Plymouth, was member of Commodore Perry's party at the memorable landing at Kurihama, Japan, July 1853. During the Civil War, was on the monitor Nantucket during the ironclad attack on Charleston Harbor in April 1863. Served on board the Wachusett off Brazil, participating in the capture of the Confederate cruiser Florida, commanding the latter as prize to Hampton Roads, Virginia. While commanding the tug Palos to meet the Pacific Squadron in 1870, took the first US flag through recently completed Suez Canal.

Born: Little Falls, NY, February 1, 1836. Entered the United States Naval Academy March 1, 1850 and graduated June 1856, promoted through the grades to Rear Admiral 1895. Commander-in-Chief of US Navy forces on Pacific Station, 1894-97. Appointed US Navy member, US Board for Testing and Reporting on American Metals. Participated as Executive Officer, monitor Nantucket, in attack on Charleston, April 1863. Participated in capture of Confederate steam sloop Florida in Bahia, Brazil, October 1864, and as prize master brought her to US. In 1871 took the tug Palos to China, carrying on her first US flag through Suez Canal.

While commanding USS Jamestown, 1879-80, in Alaskan waters, covered, surveyed and named Glacier Bay. Retired from active service on reaching 62 years of age, February 1, 1898. Married: Evelyn, daughter of Isaac Small, Little Falls, NY, January 1863.

One of officers serving under Matthew C. Perry. Participated in landing of Perry at Kurihama, Japan, July 14, 1853, and in an interview with two princes representing the Emperor, to whom Perry presented President Fillmore's letter. As one of the survivors of that event, visited Japan, 1900-01, to advocate erection of monument by Japanese on site of historic interview. The monument was unveiled in impressive ceremonies, July 14, 1901.

Buried in Section 1 of Arlington National Cemetery.

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BEARDSLEE, LESTER A

  • REAR ADMIRAL US NAVY
  • DATE OF DEATH: 11/10/1903
  • BURIED AT:   SITE LOT 425
  • ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

BEARDSLEE, EVELYN SMALL

  • DATE OF DEATH: 12/14/1923
  • BURIED AT: SECTION 1  SITE 425
  • ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
  • WIFE OF LA BEARDSLEE, RA, USN

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