ROWAN, STEPHEN CLEGG, an American naval officer; born near Dub lin, Ireland, Dec. 25, 1808; came to the United States whon a boy, and on Feb. 1, 1826, was appointed a midshipman in the navy. He was promoted lieutenant, March 8, 1837; took part in the capture of Monterey and San Diego in the Mex ican War, and, as executive officer of the "Cyane," in the bombardment of Guay mas. In the battle of La Mesa, Upper California, he commanded the naval bat talion under Commodore Stockton, and was especially commended for his skill in leading the landing party that made a successful attack on a Mexican out post near Mazatlan. He was promoted commander Sept. 14, 1855. At the out break of the Civil War he was on the "Pawnee," with which he engaged the Confederate battery at Acquia Creek on May 25, 1861; this being the first naval action of the war. He was promoted
both captain and commodore, July 16, 1862, for gallantry in the Goldsborough expedition to North Carolina, and the engagements on Roanoke Island and Al bemarle Sound. He forced the surren der of the forts at Newbern, N. C., and by the capture of Fort Mason restored National authority in the waters of North Carolina. He commanded the "New Ironsides" in the engagements with Forts Wagner, Gregg, and Moul trie; received a vote of thanks from Congress; and was promoted rear-ad miral, July 25, 1866. After the close of the war Rear-Admiral Rowan was appointed to various executive offices; was promoted vice-admiral Aug. 15, 1870; and was chairman of the Light house Board at the time of his retire ment, Feb. 26, 1889. He died in Wash ington, D. C., March 31, 1890.