KEARNY, Lawrence, naval officer, b. in Perth Amboy, N. J., 30 Nov., 1789; d. there, 29 Nov., 1868. He entered the U. S. navy as a midshipman in 1807, and served, during the continuance of the embargo and non-intercourse acts, on the flotilla of gun-boats under Com. John Rodgers. Subsequently he was on the frigates “Constitution” and “President” until 1810, when he was transferred to the “Enterprise,” and in March, 1813, was promoted lieutenant. He was actively employed in the defense of the coast of South Carolina and adjacent states during the war of 1812-'15, and after its close distinguished himself in clearing the West Indies and Gulf coast of pirates. In 1826 he was given command of the “Warren,” and sent to the Levant, where he successfully attacked the Greek pirates, broke up their strongholds, and finally dispersed them, frequently capturing several vessels in a day, and at one time had more than 100 prisoners on board his vessel. On his return to the United States in 1832, he was made captain, and after various appointments on shore duty was given command of the “Potomac,” and in 1841 advanced to the command of the East India squadron. He hoisted his broad pennant on the “Constitution” in the harbor of Rio de Janeiro, the first instance of that act being performed at a foreign station. While in the east he was active in the suppression of opium smuggling, and secured the rights of American merchants in China. Learning that a commercial treaty was about to be concluded between the English and Chinese governments, he at once communicated with the officials and secured a promise on the part of the Chinese government to extend similar facilities to American merchants. In consequence of this action, the U. S. government sent Caleb Cushing as special envoy to China, who negotiated the treaty that was ratified in July, 1845. While on his homeward voyage in 1843, Capt. Kearny stopped at the Hawaiian islands, and there protested against the treaty then in progress of settlement leading to the transfer of these islands to the British government. He afterward held various shore appointments, including the command of the New York station, the presidency of one of the naval boards of inquiry, and membership in the lighthouse board. In April, 1867, he was made commodore on the retired list, and he was also a member of the New Jersey board of pilot commissioners.

Biography source - Appletons' Cyclopædia of American Biography, 1900.