John Hazelwood
Commodore, Continental Navy

John Hazelwood was born in 1726.

An experienced merchant ship captain, he was commissioned a Commodore in the Pennsylvania State Navy during the Revolutionary War, and was placed in command of the Continental warships responsible for defending Philadelphia and the Delaware River.

On 23 October 1777, he directed his defending forces as they drove off foraying British ships, forcing two to be grounded and burned by their crews. He spurned an entreaty by British Commander Admiral Sir Richard Howe to surrender his forces and receive a full pardon from the King.

After the war he was given a ceremonial sword as a token of gratitude by the Continental Congress; the sword can be seen today in the collection of the Naval Historical Foundation in Washington, DC.

Honors

Two U.S. Navy Destroyers (DD-107, a Wickes-class and DD-531, a Fletcher-class) were named USS Hazelwood in his honor.

Death and Burial

Commodore John Hazelwood died on 1 March 1800. He is buried at Saint Peter's Episcopal Churchyard in Philadelphia, PA.