Biography

From Find A Grave "Confederate Naval hero. Trained as both a seaman and lawyer, Semmes served a commander of the ship USS Somers during the Mexican War. Upon the secession of the Confederacy he was appointed a commander in the Confederate States navy. Serving at sea through most of the Civil War, Semmes, in command of the CSS Sumter and later the CSS Alabama, successfully captured over 60 merchant vessels carrying supplies for the Union. In June, 1864, he was wounded and the CSS Alabama sunk off the coast of Cherbourg, France, by the USS Kearsarge. Eventually returning to America, he was promoted to Rear Admiral and given command of the James River Squadron. After loosing his ships in the fall of Richmond, he became a general and led his sailors as infantry. Briefly imprisoned after the war, he eventually returned to Mobile and practiced law."