Edward D. Taussig

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Edward David Taussig
November 20, 1847 — January 29, 1921
Captain Taussig probably onboard Massachusetts
Captain Taussig probably onboard Massachusetts
Place of birth St. Louis, Missouri
Place of death Newport, Rhode Island
Allegiance United States
Years of service 1863-1909
Rank Rear Admiral
Commands held USS Bennington (PG-4),

USS Enterprise, USS Independence, Massachusetts (BB-2), Indiana

Edward David Taussig (November 20, 1847 — January 29, 1921) was a decorated Rear Admiral in the United States Navy. He is best remembered for being the officer to claim Wake Island during the Spanish-American War, as well as recapturing and serving briefly as Governor of Guam, to restore order on the island after its capture by the United States. His son, Joseph Taussig, also served in the Navy.

Taussig was born in St. Louis, Missouri. He was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy in 1863, during the American Civil War, and was educated at that institution during the next four years. Graduated in June 1867 and commissioned in the rank of Ensign in late 1868, his early sea service was perhaps most remarkable for his time as an officer of the gunboat Wateree when a tidal wave washed her far inland at Arica (then part of Peru), on 13 August 1868. He was decorated for his actions during this event. As a Lieutenant during the 1870s and 1880s Taussig was stationed at a number of shore stations and in several ships, among them the Washington Navy Yard's receiving ship Relief and Trenton, flagship of the European Squadron, and spent some years on survey duty. The latter work continued well into the 1890s, when he was a Lieutenant Commander. He became the executive officer of the USS Richmond in 1895. He subsequently was transferred to the Hydrographic office and the United States Coast Survey. (During this time, he was an officer on the USS Blake.)

[edit] Spanish-American War

Promoted to the rank of Commander in August 1898, his first command was the USS Bennington during the Spanish-American War. In December of that year, he was given orders to proceed to Wake Island and claim it for the United States. He formally claimed the island on January 17, 1899. At the time, this action (ordered by President William McKinley) was seen as somewhat questionable, however no other nation had claimed the island and there was no native population. It was primarily taken for its strategic value as a cable station, midway between Hawaii and the Philippines.

On February 1, 1899, Taussig arrived at Guam and recaptured it and re-raised the American flag on the territory. The island previously had been captured by Henry Glass, who had left Francisco Portusach Martínez (an American citizen, but a civilian) in charge of the territory. Unfortunately, he had been deposed in favor of non-American leadership and Taussig was asked to intervene. In his short time, he set up a local council system of temporary government which lasted until the arrival of Louis A. Kaiser.

Shortly afterwards, he was relieved of command on September 1, 1899 for criticizing Admiral John C. Watson. He was assigned to duty with the Lighthouse Bureau. In 1902, he was again given command of a school ship, the USS Enterprise, operating out of the Boston Naval Yard. Between 1902 and 1908, Captain Taussig's commands included the receiving ship Independence and battleships Massachusetts and Indiana. He also attended the Naval War College, was Captain of the Yard at the New York Navy Yard and was Commandant of the Norfolk Navy Yard and the Fifth Naval District. In May 1908, while serving in the latter positions, he attained the rank of Rear Admiral. Retired in November 1909, Rear Admiral Taussig was recalled to active duty during World War I as Commandant of the Naval Unit at Columbia University.

Edward D. Taussig died at Newport, Rhode Island, on 29 January 1921.

The destroyer USS Taussig (DD-746) of 1944-1974 was named for him.

Preceded by
José Sisto
Acting / Semi-official		 Naval Governor of Guam
1899		 Succeeded by
Joaquín Cruz Pérez
Local Council

[edit] References

  • Naval Orders; Disposition of the Commander and Officers of the Atlanta. The Washington Post. Washington, D.C.: Sep 17, 1895. pg. 7, 1 pgs
  • Department Notes. The Washington Post. Washington, D.C.: Dec 12, 1896. pg. 7, 1 pgs
  • Capt. Rob Evans's Message. From The Baltimore Sun. New York Times. New York, N.Y.: Aug 1, 1898. pg. 4, 1 pgs
  • Now Naval Commanders. The Washington Post. Washington, D.C.: Aug 3, 1898. pg. 7, 1 pgs
  • To Take Wake Island. The Washington Post. Washington, D.C.: Dec 24, 1898. pg. 1, 1 pgs
  • Takes Guam Island. Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles, Calif.: Dec 24, 1898. pg. 3, 1 pgs
  • Wake Island Occupation. New York Times. New York, N.Y.: Mar 22, 1899. pg. 5, 1 pgs
  • Funston's Men Sail Soon. Chicago Daily Tribune (1872-1963). Chicago, Ill.: Sep 2, 1899. pg. 3, 1 pgs
  • Action in Taussig's Case. New York Times. New York, N.Y.: Oct 24, 1899. pg. 7, 1 pgs
  • Commander Taussig Ordered to Manila. New York Times. New York, N.Y.: Mar 25, 1900. pg. 9, 1 pgs
  • The United Service. Special to The New York Times. New York Times. New York, N.Y.: Dec 31, 1901. pg. 3, 1 pgs
  • The United Service. New York Times. New York, N.Y.: Oct 23, 1902. pg. 13, 1 pgs
  • The Cruiser Controversy. The Washington Post. Washington, D.C.: Oct 23, 1902. pg. 4, 1 pgs
  • The United Service. New York Times. New York, N.Y.: Jan 6, 1903. pg. 10, 1 pgs
  • The United Service. New York Times. New York, N.Y.: Aug 8, 1903. pg. 10, 1 pgs
  • Changes in Command. The Washington Post. Washington, D.C.: Oct 13, 1904. pg. 11, 1 pgs
  • Navy Orders. The Washington Post. Washington, D.C.: Jan 7, 1906. pg. 5, 1 pgs
  • Gets Leave to Visit Home. The Washington Post. Washington, D.C.: Dec 11, 1907. pg. 9, 1 pgs
  • Globe Girdled, 16 Battleships Come Home Today. The Atlanta Constitution. Atlanta, Ga.: Feb 22, 1909. pg. 1, 2 pgs
  • Rites for Admiral Taussig. Special to Washington Post. The Washington Post. Washington, D.C.: Feb 2, 1921. pg. 3, 1 pg