Admirals in Stone – Enoch G. Parrott

On a recent trip that took me to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, I came a cross a small, but interesting churchyard cemetery with a fascinating stone just inside the wrought-iron fence.  This was the grave of Rear Adm. Enoch Greenleafe Parrott, who saw considerable service during the Civil War.

Born in Portsmouth in December 1814, Enoch Parrott enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a midshipman in 1831. In 1841, Parrott became a lieutenant and saw service with the Africa Squadron under Matthew Perry. During the Mexican War Parrott served aboard the USS Congress on the Pacific Coast.

The Civil War brought with it a promotion for Parrott to commander. During the war the newly-minted commander took part in the destruction of the Norfolk Navy Yard, the capture of the Savannah, a Confederate privateer, and participated in the battle of Port Royal, and later was present at the surrender of Charleston, South Carolina.

Steady advancement up the navy ladder after the war would lead to his promotion to rear admiral in 1873.

Parrott died in May 1879. He is buried in a beautiful little churchyard at St. John’s Church in Portsmouth.