|
ARCHER, Stevenson
ARCHER, Stevenson
WEBSTER, Capt. John A. --- In the attack by the British fleet on Fort McHenry (note: War of 1812), Captain John A. Webster, of Harford, rendered valuable service to his country and won well-merited fame. Captain Webster was born at "The Mount," about five miles from Bel Air, on September 19, 1789. He was the son of Samuel Webster and Margaret Adams, his wife, the latter, being a member of the distinguished Adams family of Massachusetts, which gave two Presidents to the country. The first Websters came to this country early in the eighteenth century from England, and settled, Isaac and Richard in Maryland, Michael in New England, and John in Virginia, where he was known as John of Roanoke. Daniel Webster, the great Senator, came from the New England branch. When fourteen years old Captain Webster began his life on the sea by sailing for South America in a merchant vessel, and afterwards made many voyages to foreign ports. At the beginning of the war of 1812 he was appointed a third lieutenant by Commodore Barneyon the privateer Rossie, and served during the whole period of the war. On the organization of the Flotilla at Baltimore he was made sailing master in the navy, and had charge of one of the barges. He was with Commodore Barney in all his engagements. At the request of General Smith, he was detached from his appointment and ordered to command the six-gun battery between Forts McHcnry and Covington, and was the first to discover and open fire on the British ships on the night of September 13, 1814, and remained on duty during the engagement, though he was twice wounded. In recognition of his services he was presented with two hand-some gold-mounted swords—one by the State of Maryland and the other by the city of Baltimore. The National Government gave him a pension of twenty dollars per month and paid for property lost by him. On March 1, 1816, President Madison appointed him a sailing master in the United States Navy, in which position he served for a considerable time, and on account of his experience and nautical skill he was frequently assigned to perform important duties outside the line of his official position. On February 8, 1816, he was married to Miss Rachel Biays, daughter of Col. Joseph Biays, who, with his brother James, had served in the Revolution. On November 22, 1819, President Madison issued Captain Webster a commission as captain in the revenue marine, which position he held at the time of his death—July 4, 1877 While in the revenue marine, Captain Webster performed important services, among them being his command of eight revenue vessels to act with the army and navy against Vera Cruz and upon the Rio Grande in the Mexican war. Captain and Mrs. Webster were the parents of eleven children, viz: Margaret, the widow of William R. Bissell, who was killed in command of a company in Pickett's charge in the battle of Gettysburg; Dr. J. Biays Webster, Susan A. Webster, Laura A., wife of John C. Patterson; William S. Webster; Josephine, wife of Dr. William Dallam; John A. Web-ster, also of the revenue marine service; Mary A., wife of Algernon S. Dorsey; Benj. M. Webster; Rachel Cassandra, wife of Gen. Frank A. Bond, and Isaac P. Webster. Captain Webster and his wife lie buried in the family burying ground at "The Mount." Harford may be justly proud of the career of this one of her most distinguished sons, who was ever ready to respond to the call of duty, and who spent his life in the service of his country. (Source: "History of Harford County, Maryland" ; Baltimore, Md. :: Press of Sun Book Office, 1901 - Transcribed by K. Torp)
|
