John E. Pillsbury

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John E. Pillsbury (15 December 1846 – 30 December 1919) was an officer in the United States Navy.

Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, Pillsbury was appointed Midshipman in 1862 and commissioned an Ensign (rank) in 1868. After serving on various stations afloat and ashore, he commanded the coast steamer Blake from 1884 to 1891 and did excellent scientific work, using in some of his research instruments of his own invention. In the Spanish-American War, he commanded the dynamite cruiser Vesuvius, operating around the island of Cuba and in the vicinity of Morro Castle. In 1905 he served as Chief of Staff of the North Atlantic Fleet and in 1908–09, was Chief of the Bureau of Navigation. Although Rear Admiral Pillsbury’s attainments as a sailor and a fighting man were noteworthy, he is perhaps best known as having been one of the world’s foremost geographers and an authority on the Gulf Stream.

Actively identified with the National Geographic Society for many years, he was president of the society at the time of his death.

Two ships have been christened USS Pillsbury in his honor.

This article includes text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.