CHARLES W. ABY, LT, USN
Charles Aby '46
Photographs
Courtesy of his great-great-niece
Loss
From Find A Grave:
Lieutenant Aby was born in the United States on March 2, 1824. He became a Midshipman in the U.S. Navy on February 8, 1840 and fought in the Mexican War. He was promoted to Lieutenant on May 24, 1855. He died while serving aboard the USS Saratoga on October 16, 1856 from Isthmus fever. He was buried at the Mt. Hope Cemetery then re-interred at the Corozal American Cemetery in 1979 using his headstone from Mt. Hope.
Other Information
From researcher Kathy Franz:
In 1852 Charles was on the Parry, and in 1853, he was diagnosed with a liver disease while on the Bibb. In 1854 he was on the Vixen, and he requested a leave for a matter of a “private, peculiar and interesting nature.” He was then on the San Jacinto, and in 1855, he wanted to be on the party searching for Dr. Elisha Kent Kane. Dr. Kane headed the Second Grinnell expedition which left New York in May 1853. His brig Advance became icebound, and the crew left on May 20 for an 83-day march to Upernavik, Greenland. Charles was ordered to the Saratoga in 1856, but he got to Pensacola too late. He wrote on March 31 that he would proceed immediately to report to Commander Paulding at Havana.
When Charles was on leave, he would often travel between his family in Middletown, Virginia, and those in Grand Gulf, Mississippi. The family were all born in Virginia, and Charles’ father Jonas was a private under Captain Thomas Roberts in the War of 1812. The British were coming, and while clearing brush between Craney Island and the River Nansemond, his father’s foot was nearly cut off. It was hard to walk, and he suffered greatly from this, but was denied a pension. He died in 1849, and in 1850 his wife Barbara shared her house with a music teacher and his family. In 1872 she was living with her married daughter Harriet Dixon when she applied for a pension. Her sons Samuel and Thomas J. lived in the Grand Gulf, Mississippi, area in the 1850s and 1860s. In 1852 a ship explosion destroyed its dock, and in 1853 a tornado struck as well as the Mississippi River changing its course and eroding the town. By 1860 only 158 people were left there. Charles’ other ten siblings were: Amanda, George and Ellen who died young, and married sisters Arabella Shewalter, Emma Sophia Guyer, Adeline Stine, Elizabeth Anderson, Jane Barnes of Mississippi, Kate Turner, and Frances Summerville.
He was born in Virginia and appointed to the Naval Academy from Mississippi.
Letters
From Find A Grave:
Charles W Aby wrote many letters to his brother Samuel Aby and his parents, Jonas and Barbara Aby.
Feb 29, 1842 - From USS Delaware, Rio de la Plata, off Montevideo:
"...You will perceive by this that we are at Monte Video for the second time, the reason for our returning is some claims which come of the American citizens have on the Government of Buenos Ayres, it is likely we will remain here until the first of September..."
Nov 6, 1842 - USS Delaware, Rio de Janiero
"... to inform you of a great change which will take place in our destination shortly, we are to sail for that long wished for station, the Mediterranean....
June 14, 1843 - USS Delaware - Lisbon
"My dear parents, The last you heard from me, I was in Mahen (I. of Minorca), and little did I think I would have the pleasure of writing you from the famous city of Lisbon then. We sailed from Mahen early in May, arrived in Gibraltar the latter part of the same month, lay there a few days when we sailed for Cadiz, Spain..."
August 5, 1846 - Navy Department
Sir, Herewith you will receive a Warrant, as a Passed Midshipman in the Navy of the United States. dated the 21st day of July, 1846..." W. Bancroft
October 15, 1849 - "Constitution"
"... we are compelled to trudge through streets no less magnificent in their way, but jammed on all hands with Sailors, Soldiers, Civilians, and Saracens....without wishing to make a case of "sour grapes" out of the affair, the Adriatic, at this advanced season of the year, is not the sea that a sailor, who has half an eye to comfort as well as a whole one to "windward", would like to cruise in."
September 15, 1850 - U.S. Frigate Independence - Genoa
My dear Mother, I have not much to say to you except that I am promoted to a grade higher than I have hitherto held, and that I have been transferred from the glorious old Ironsides to the Frigate Independence, which vessel bears the flag of Commodore Morgan. ....I was appointed Master of this ship...
April 7, 1853 - USS Dale - Boston
June 20, 1855 - USS San Jacinto - Havana
October 16, 1856 USS Saratoga, Harbor of Aspinwall, N.G.
Sir, Lt., Chas. W. Aby died this morning of Isthmus fever. Capable of conducting a ship in safety over the world, and competent to command her in time of battle -- alike distinguished for his moral and professional attainments -- he dies, lamented by us all, and esteemed as an officer and a man.
(Signed) E. G. Felton, Commander"
Career
From the Naval History and Heritage Command:
Midshipman, 8 February, 1840. Passed Midshipman, 11 July, 1846. Master, 23 September, 1854. Lieutenant, 24 May, 1855. Died 16 October, 1856.
Memorial Hall Error
Illness is not a criteria for inclusion in Memorial Hall.
The "category" links below lead to lists of related Honorees; use them to explore further the service and sacrifice of alumni in Memorial Hall.
