Thomas Stowell Phelps
Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy

Thomas Stowell Phelps was born on 2 November 1824 in Buckfield, ME.

Phelps graduated from the U.S. Naval academy in 1846 and served in the Indian War in Washington Territory. At the beginning of the Civil War, he was sent to the relief of Fort Sumter and was selected to co-operate with the Army and Navy in preparing the defenses of the Potomac River.

Promoted to Lieutenant Commander in July 1862, he participated in engagements at Yorktown and Gloucester that caused the destruction of two of the Confederate vessels. At the Battle of West Point, his blockade prevented a large force of Confederates from entering with the main Army.

After the war, he was chief of Naval surveying, promoted to Captain in 1871, to Commodore in 1879 and to Rear Admiral in 1884. He retired from active service in 1885.

Death and Burial

Rear Admiral Thomas Stowell Phelps died on 10 January 1901. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA.