Lawrence Kearny

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Commodore Lawrence Kearny (30 November 1789 – 29 November 1868) was an officer in the United States Navy during the early nineteenth century.

Born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, Kearny was appointed Midshipman in the Navy 24 July 1807. Commodore Kearny was known for his tenacity in capturing slave traders in West-Indian waters and his efforts in fighting Greek pirates in the Mediterranean Sea. In the early 1840's he began negotiations with China which opened that country to U.S. trade and pointed the way toward the American Open Door Policy a half century later. He later served as Commandant at the Norfolk and New York Naval Shipyards.

Retiring 14 November 1861, Commodore Kearny died at Perth Amboy, N. J., 29 November 1868.

USS Kearny (DD-432) was named for him.

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