Alexander Murray (1755-1821)
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Commodore Alexander Murray (12 July 1755 - 6 October 1821) was a naval officer during the American Revolution.
Born in Chestertown, Maryland, he served as captain in the 1st Maryland Regiment, commanded several privateers, and was commissioned lieutenant in the Continental Navy 20 July 1781, returning to private life in 1785.
Upon the organization of the U.S. Navy, Murray was commissioned captain 1 July 1798, and commanded Montezuma, Insurgente, and Constellation during the Quasi-War with France; Constellation against the Barbary pirates in the Mediterranean 1801-1803; and Adams in home waters in 1805.
From 1808 until his death 6 October 1821, Commodore Murray was superintendent of gunboats at Philadelphia, and, from 8 July 1813, also was first commandant of the Philadelphia Navy Yard.
[edit] Things named in his honor
- Two ships, USS Murray (DD-97) and DD-576 were named for him and his grandson, Alexander Murray