Joseph Berry Breck

Joseph Berry Breck
Born July 12, 1828
Maine
Died July 26, 1865 (aged 37)
San Francisco, California
Allegiance  United States of America
Service/branch United States Navy
Years of service 1863–1864
Rank Lieutenant commander
Commands held USS Niphon
Battles/wars American Civil War

Joseph Berry Breck (12 July 1828 – 26 July 1865) was an officer in the United States Navy during the American Civil War.[1]

Biography

Breck was born in Maine, the son of Benjamin Dunton Breck and Jane S. Simmons. Breck had a successful career in the American mercantile marine as a shipmaster and businessman, and at the outbreak of the Civil War was engaged in the Pacific and China trade, but soon offered his services to the Navy Department.[2] He was eventually commissioned as an Acting Ensign on 27 February 1863.[1] From 24 April 1863[3] he commanded the screw steamer Niphon, taking a prominent part in the destruction of the saltworks at Masonboro Inlet, North Carolina, on 27 August 1864, and on many other expeditions ashore.[1] He received rapid promotion; to Acting Master on 8 August 1863, to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant on 16 November 1863, and to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Commander on 25 November 1864.[3]

Although his health was much impaired, Breck remained in command of Niphon until invalided out of the service by a medical board in November 1864.[1] (His younger brother Lowell Mason Breck (1839–1863) who served under him aboard Niphon, was also invalided out of the Navy suffering from "consumption", from which he soon died.[2]) Seeking a climate conducive to his recovery Lt-Cdr. Breck travelled to San Francisco, California, but died on 26 July 1865, soon after his arrival there.[1] He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Personal life

Breck was married twice, firstly to Fredonia Gaston, and after her death to Ellen Francis Newell, by whom he had four children; twin daughters, who died in infancy, and two sons. The eldest son, John Leslie Breck (1860–1899)[2] became a noted impressionist painter,[4] while the younger, Edward Breck (1861–1929)[2] was a scholar, journalist, champion golfer and fencer, and an officer of U.S. Naval Intelligence during the Spanish–American and First World Wars.[5]

Namesake

The destroyer Breck (DD-283) (1919–1930) was named for him.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Mann, Raymond A. (12 December 2005). "USS Breck". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Navy Department, Naval History & Heritage Command. Retrieved 3 August 2013.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Breck, Samuel (1889). Genealogy of the Breck family : descended from Edward of Dorchester and his brothers in America : with an appendix of additional biographical and historical matter, obituary notices, letters, etc., and armorial bearings : and a complete index. Omaha: Rees Printing Co. Retrieved 3 August 2013.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "US Navy Officers: 1778-1900 (B)". Naval Historical Center. 2006. Retrieved 3 August 2013.
  4. ↑ Slater, Sharon (29 April 2011). "John Leslie Breck, Impressionist Painter". The Governor's Academy Archives. Retrieved 3 August 2013.
  5. ↑ Gillmeister, Heiner (2013). "Edward Breck, Anglo-Saxon Scholar, Golf Champion and Master Spy". Department of English, American, and Celtic Studies, University of Bonn. Retrieved 3 August 2013.