About John A. Ellet
Lived 1838 – 1892 (aged 53–54). John A. Ellet was a military officer.
John Alfred Ellet (June 22, 1838–April 12, 1892) was a lieutenant colonel in the United States Army during the American Civil War.
He commanded the ram until she sank on March 23, 1863, while attempting to steam past the batteries of Vicksburg, Mississippi, at night. He served as commanding officer of the United States Ram Fleet after his cousin Charles Rivers Ellet stepped down due to illness.
He was the son of Johan Israel and Laura (Scarlett) Ellet, nephew of Colonel Charles Ellet, Jr. and Brigadier General Alfred W. Ellet and cousin to Charles Rivers Ellet.
He died in Boulder, Colorado and was interred at Columbia Cemetery.
Namesakes USS Ellet (DD-398), which was in service in 1939–46, was named in honor of John A. Ellet and other members of his family.
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Important facts
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Frequently asked questions
Who was John A. Ellet?
American Civil War army officer
When was John A. Ellet born?
John A. Ellet was born in 1838.
When did John A. Ellet die?
John A. Ellet died in 1892.
What was John A. Ellet's occupation?
John A. Ellet was a military officer.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John A. Ellet. https://biography.guide/john-a-ellet/
MLA: "John A. Ellet." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-a-ellet/.
Chicago: "John A. Ellet." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-a-ellet/.
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