Edward Middleton

Edward Middleton (December 11, 1810, Charleston, South Carolina – April 27, 1883, Washington, D.C.) of the South Carolina Middleton family was a U.S. Navy rear admiral most known for his service defending the United States Pacific borders during the Civil War. Early life Middleton was born on December 11, 1810, in Charleston, South Carolina He was the son of Mary Helen Hering (1772–1850) and Henry Middleton (1770–1846). His family played important roles in the history of the United States during the colonial revolution and civil war periods. His great grandfather, Henry Middleton, was President of the Continental Congress. His grandfather, Arthur Middleton, was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. His father, Henry Middleton, was governor of South Carolina and ambassador to Russia from 1820 to 1830. The remains of the family home and gardens still exist on the banks of the Ashley river in South Carolina at Middleton Place. He was descended from an English family, the first of whom also named Edward Middleton came to America in 1678. Edward Middleton's (1810–1883) mother was Mary Helen Hering. Career After being educated in England and France, Edward joined his father and mother in Russia in 1827. He then served six months with the Admiral of the Russian Fleet, Pyotr Ivanovich Ricord, on board his ship. Edward returned to the United States after entering the Navy as a midshipman on the frigate USS Java in the Mediterranean, July 1, 1828.