Commodore Stockton
By Aaron Yang
Robert F. Stockton (1795-1866) was born in Princeton , New Jersey . His family was immersed in politics, for his father was the US Senator Richard Stockton. Moreover, his grandfather was one of the people to sign the declaration of independence.
Stockton served in the navy as a midshipman, playing a part in the War of 1812, which was fought between America and Britain . He later worked on ships in the Caribbean and Mediterranean as Lieutenant Stockton. He assisted negotiations for what resulted in the founding of Liberia , or the Republic of Liberia , a country on the west coast of Africa .
While engaging in New Jersey business affairs, Stockton 's son John P. Stockton was born (1826). John Stockton eventually became a senator for New Jersey .
1838 saw Stockton return to the navy as a captain, but left again in 1840 in favor of political work. He did not take President John Tyler's offer to be US Secretary of the Navy.
Stockton supported construction of a technologically advanced steam battleship with powerful heavy guns. The result was the USS Princeton , the first screw-propelled steamer in the navy. He took command of the ship in 1843.
Stockton retired from the Navy in 1850. 1851 saw him successfully elected as a Democrat Senator from New Jersey . He resigned as Senator in 1853, instead becoming president of the Delaware and Raritan Canal Company.
Stockton died in 1866 at his birthplace of Princeton , New Jersey . He now lies in the Princeton Cemetary. To honor him, there are four ships named USS Stockton . Cities Stockton , California and Fort Stockton , Texas , all derive their names from him. Stockton Street in San Francisco and Fort Stockton in San Diego are also take their names in memory of Commodore Stockton.