Oliver Hazard Perry

Oliver Perry was born in Rhode Island in 1785. He joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 13. Perry's father was a Quaker, and also served as a captain in the U.S. Navy. Perry saw service on the shores of Africa and the Mediterranean, fighting against Barbary pirates. By 1812, he was promoted to master-commandant and requested active service on the Great Lakes during the war. He was given command of the shipbuilding project and naval squadron on Lake Erie. He guided the Americans to victory against Robert Barclay's British squadron in the Battle of Lake Erie. He was considered an honourable and generous man by friend and foe alike. For his victory, he was made post-captain. He died of yellow fever in 1819, while leading a diplomatic mission to Venezuela.

Oliver Hazard Perry