The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1911-09-23
CAPTAIN "HCK' BARRY,
Father of american Navy.



man, was one of the grandest char
acters made famous by the glorious
struggle of the American colonists
for independence. There was no
more loved man in this country while
he lived than rollicking "Jack" Barry,
and when he died, distinguished and
full OF honors, there was none more
universally mourned. He was great
man, he had all the characteristics
that go to make greatness, and he
knew how to make the most of op-
portunity.
Barry was born in Wexford, Ire
land, in the year 1745. His father
was farmer in humble circum-
stances. At the age Of IL John Bar
ry, who had developed fondness for
the sea, was permitted to ship on
merchantmen. Between voyages the
lad studied diligently and early learn
ed to apply the knowledge gained in
knowledge gained from books. He
learned his facts thoroughly-learned
to do things WE'LL
At the age of IA he came to Amer
lea, and was at once engaged by a
Philadelphia merchant. Young Bar
ry was a good sailoa', and he speedily
became competent and reliable
business man. His services as a
sh1pbuilder were eagerly sought, and
his pay was large. BY the time he
was 80 years of age he had become
prosperous and very highly respect
ed gentleman. Indeed, he was rap
idly gaining riches, the historians
agree, when, in 1875, it was proposed
that his services as a shipmaster
might be turned to good account in
the interests of the struggling col
onies.
"I'll leave the finest ship and best
employ in America" said Barry,
whenever I can serve my country.
BY the grace of God this is my coun-
try, and I'm not the man to let lib
erty slip by me without making
fight for it,
Early in 1916, by order of Congress,
he fitted for sea the first American
fleet that sailed from Philadelphia.
BY authority Of the Council of Safety
Of Philadelphia he also superintendent
the construction of state ship. In
March, 1875, he was commissioned to
command the brig Lexington. He was
ordered to clear the coast of English
cruisers, which were terrorizing the
people of exposed ports There was
no salary attached to this duty. 1t
was an act of patriotism. The Licking
ton carried 16 guns, and with it Bar
ry captured several English warships,
driving one of AZ guns to the cover
of a port garrisoned by the English
army. Having performed the duty as
signed to him, he sailed back to Phil
adelphia and became the hero of the
day, writes Miss Molly Eliot seawell,
herself the granddaughter of an adj
miral, and like Barry, a devout Cath
Ole, and an ardent AmeEcan.
II did no more than my duty" said
the victor. Faith, anybody that tries
can do that"
Such was the modest view he took
of deeds that struck terror to the
enemy and reused the hopes of strug-
Cling Continentals to enthusiasm
Later in 1915 he was transferred
to the command of the frigate Ef1ng.
ham. Here he displayed fresh proofs
of his spirit of dauntless patriotism
And when winter came on, following
the Declaration of Independence, and
navigation was closed, the fruitful and
daring mind of Barry led him to other
fields of action. He was firmly con.
WINGED that the hour for action was
at hand. and that no man should hest.
tate or wait. Obtaining command of
q company of volunteers and some
+ heavy cannon, Barry's laundering bat.
terry was heard at the battle of Tren.
ton. He remained with the army all
4 Of that winter, winning admiration
caAu ASopCSls I1c1C, DIS VII CuS sea, u6
acted with skill and daring.
The following season, manning two
small boats, the daring sea fighter
captured two large British ships and
E an eight-gun schooner, taking all the
& stores and ammunition to the Ameri
can army. The news of this latest
proof of his daring and his consunl.
mate skill in planning as we'll as exc
cutting an attack added immeasurably
Y to his fame. Loyal citizens of Phila
delphia were tireless in his praise
and they never ceased to honor their
illustrious citizen. Although his fame
III kas suffered at the hands of selfish
or ignorant historians, Philadelphia