Charles G. Ridgeley

Charles Goodwin Ridgely (July 2, 1784 – February 8, 1848) was an officer in the United States Navy. He fought under Edward Preble in the First Barbary War (1804–1805), before serving as the commander of the Pacific Station (1820–1822), the West Indies Squadron (1827–1830), the Brooklyn Navy Yard (1833–1839), and the Brazil Squadron (1840–1842). Early life and family Charles Ridgely Goodwin was born in Baltimore, Maryland on July 2, 1784 to Dr. Lyde Goodwin (February 4, 1754 – August 19, 1801) and Abby Levy (August 12, 1760 – July 29, 1821). After joining the United States Navy, he legally changed to "Charles Goodwin Ridgely" at the behest of his uncle Charles Ridgely III, who also requested that his other nephew Charles Carnan Ridgely change his name from "Charles Ridgely Carnan". Career Ridgely was registered as a warranted midshipman in the United States Navy on October 17, 1799. First Barbary War Ridgely served as an officer under Edward Preble during the First Barbary War from 1804 to 1805. For their actions in the Second Battle of Tripoli Harbor, the United States Congress awarded a Congressional Gold Medal to Preble and "through him to the officers, petty officers, seamen and marines attached to the squadron under his command". Congress also presented "swords to each of the commissioned officers and Midshipmen who had distinguished themselves in the several attacks", including Ridgely.