Charles Vernon Gridley

Charles Vernon Gridley (24 November 1844 – 5 June 1898) was an officer in the United States Navy during the American Civil War and the Spanish–American War.

Early life

Gridley was directly descended from Thomas Gridley (1612–1653), who emigrated from England to the New England area in 1633. Gridley was born in Logansport, Indiana on 24 November 1844.

Naval career

After attending Hillsdale College, Gridley was appointed to the United States Naval Academy in 1860. Reporting for duty with his class in September 1863, Gridley joined the sloop-of-war Oneida with the West Gulf Blockading Squadron and distinguished himself with David Farragut at the Battle of Mobile Bay on 5 August 1864.

Gridley was promoted to lieutenant in 1867 and lieutenant commander on March 12, 1868. From 1871 to 1875, Gridley was stationed on the only United States Navy ship based on the Great Lakes at the time, the Michigan, at Erie, Pennsylvania. While stationed in Erie, he married the daughter of Judge John P. Vincent and had three children. Gridley's wife was also a cousin of Civil War hero Brigadier General Strong Vincent. Gridley was promoted to commander in 1882. Gridley also served a tour as instructor at the Naval Academy and another with the Cruiser Training Squadron.