Gideon Welles

Date of Birth: July 1, 1802

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: February 11, 1878

Biography

Gideon Welles was an influential American public servant and politician, best known for his role as the Secretary of the Navy during the Civil War under President Abraham Lincoln. Born in Glastonbury, Connecticut, Welles was a Yale-educated man who initially pursued a career in law and journalism. He became the editor of the “Hartford Times” and later entered politics, aligning himself with the Democratic Party before switching to the Republican Party over disagreements regarding slavery. Appointed as Secretary of the Navy in 1861, Welles played a crucial role in modernizing the U.S. Navy and implementing blockades that were pivotal in the Union’s victory. His tenure is marked by significant naval innovations and the expansion of the Navy to meet wartime demands. After the war, he continued to serve under President Andrew Johnson but eventually retired from public life, dedicating his later years to writing and documenting his experiences.

5 Interesting Facts about Gideon Welles

1. Gideon Welles was instrumental in the creation of the “Ironclad Navy,” which included the famous Monitor vs. Merrimack battle.

2. He was a close advisor to President Lincoln and was often referred to as “Father Neptune” due to his extensive knowledge and influence over naval affairs.

3. Welles kept detailed diaries during his time in public service, which later became valuable historical documents.

4. He played a significant role in the establishment of the Naval Academy at Annapolis.

5. Before his tenure as Secretary of the Navy, Welles was a staunch advocate for the expansion of telegraph lines and railways, recognizing their importance for national security and communication.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Gideon Welles

1. “It is not the ship so much as the skillful sailing that assures the prosperous voyage.”

2. “The contest for ages has been to rescue liberty from the grasp of executive power.”

3. “The heart of the Navy is its men, not its ships.”

4. “Administration is in itself a goal, for through it, we can achieve the highest aspirations of our citizens.”

5. “In the midst of conflict, there is always an opportunity for progress.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Gideon Welles’ net worth was modest compared to today’s standards of wealth, estimated to be around $100,000, adjusted for inflation.

Children

Gideon Welles had six children with his wife, Mary Jane Hale. Their names were: 1. Mary H. Welles 2. Anna Welles 3. Sarah E. Welles 4. Hubert Welles 5. John Arthur Welles 6. Thomas G. Welles