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DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER
901 M STREET SE -- WASHINGTON NAVY YARD
WASHINGTON DC 20374-5060

Online Library of Selected Images:
-- PEOPLE -- UNITED STATES --

Commodore Uriah Phillips Levy, USN, (1792-1862)

Uriah Phillips Levy was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on 22 April 1792. After several years as a shipowner and civilian mariner, he became a U.S. Navy officer in October 1812. He was a prisoner of war during the latter part of the War of 1812, but his career thereafter was active and fruitful. During the 1850s, he was an important figure in abolishing flogging as a Navy punishment. Levy commanded USS Vandalia in 1838-39, USS Macedonian in 1858 and was Flag Officer of the Mediterranean Squadron in 1860. He is also noted for his ownership and preservation of Thomas Jefferson's home Monticello. Commodore Levy died in New York City on 22 March 1862.

USS Levy (DE-162) was named in honor of Commodore Levy.

This page features a portrait of Uriah Phillips Levy.

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Photo #: NH 48113

Commodore Uriah Phillips Levy, USN


Nineteenth-century albumin print of a painted portrait. It depicts Commodore Levy holding a scroll inscribed "Author of the Abolition of Flogging in the Navy of the United States".
The uniform seen in this image features four sleeve stripes, signifying the rank of Captain. Levy died in 1862, several years prior to the adoption of this element, indicating that the portrait was painted posthumously, possibly in the 1870s or 1880s.

Donation of Mrs. Charles Mayhoff.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 75KB; 460 x 765 pixels

 



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10 March 1999