Theodorus Bailey (US Navy officer)

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Rear Admiral Theodorus Bailey (April 12, 1805-February 14, 1877) was a U.S. naval officer during the American Civil War.

Born in Chateaugay, New York, he entered the navy as a midshipman in January, 1818. He was commended for energy, enterprise, and gallantry in the Mexican-American War.

He made captain in 1855. In July, 1862, he was made Commodore, and in July, 1866, rear-admiral on the retired list. In 1861 Captain Bailey was in command of Colorado, in the West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Later he took command of the East Gulf Blockading Squadron.

He was instrumental in devoloping a primative "thruster system," the principles of which are still in use today. A pipe could direct water to one side of the ship or another, which caused the ship to be able to move with more agility in the high seas. Today, ships use this principle in thruster systems. ^1.

Rear Admiral Bailey died at Washington, D. C., 10 February 1877.

Three ships have been named USS Bailey for him.

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