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). 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. 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.

Great Lakes and Mediterranean Squadron

He was appointed an acting lieutenant in May 1804 before being commissioned as a lieutenant on February 2, 1807. 3 of his 29 midshipmen refused and were sent back home to resign their positions, but the Department of the Navy disagreed with Ridgely's policy and allowed them to remain in service.

Ridgely and HMS Conway independently and unsuccessfully tried to capture the royalist semi-pirate Vicente Benavides, who operated against local patriot vessels and against American shipping in the Pacific. At the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Ridgely also served as the first president of the Naval Lyceum. He was then appointed as the flag officer in command of the Brazil Squadron from 1840 to 1842.

Death Ridgely died in Baltimore, Maryland on February 8, 1848.

Personal life

Ridgely married Cornelia Louisiana Livingston in Clermont-on-Hudson, New York on December 1, 1822. They had four children, including Elizabeth Augusta Ridgely who married William H. Hunt.