(1798-1876) Born in Middletown, New York, he entered the navy as a midshipman in 1809. He fought in the War of 1812, the Second Barbary War, the Mexican War, and the Civil War. In 1819, Stringham was serving aboard the Cyane, conveying black settlers to Liberia. While the Cyane was off the African coast, Stringham was given command of a boat and captured four slaver ships. He was then appointed prize-master and sent home with the captured prizes. In 1821, Stringham was appointed First Lieutenant of the brig Hornet, and was promoted to captain in 1841. He served as Commandant of the Brooklyn Navy Yard, 1845-46. He was appointed commander of the Ohio in 1846, during the Mexican War and took part in the bombardment of Vera Cruz as it was besieged by troops under General Winfield Scott. Afterwards he commanded the Brazil Squadron. In 1851, he took charge of the Gosport Navy Yard, in Va., serving there until 1855, when he was appointed commander of the Mediterranean Squadron, with his flagship being the famous frigate the Cumberland. He then returned to Gosport where he commanded until 1859. Considered to be one of the most trusted confidants of Gideon Welles, the U.S. Secretary of the Navy, Stringham was appointed Flag Officer and commander of the North Atlantic Blockading Fleet, which he led on their successful expedition to Hatteras Inlet, N.C., in 1861, where he innovated a bombardment technique. He was promoted to rank of Rear Admiral, on August 1, 1862, and then served as commandant of the Boston Navy Yard, 1864-66, and later was Port Admiral of New York. He died in Brooklyn, N.Y., on February 7, 1876, and is buried in Green Wood Cemetery, in Brooklyn.

Signature with Rank: 3 3/4 x 3/4, in ink, S.H. Stringham, Commander.