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William Ward Burrows II

1785 – 1813

United States Navy officer

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About William Ward Burrows II

Lived 1785 – 1813 (aged 27). William Ward Burrows II was a military officer.

Lieutenant William Ward Burrows II (October 6, 1785 – September 5, 1813) was an officer in the United States Navy during the First Barbary War and the War of 1812. His father, William Ward Burrows I, was the second Commandant of the Marine Corps.

Burrows was born in Philadelphia, and appointed a Midshipman in 1799. He distinguished himself at Tripoli onboard Constitution. Lieutenant Burrows died while in command of the brig USS Enterprise as a result of wounds received during the engagement with the British brig HMS Boxer. He was buried at Eastern Cemetery in Portland, Maine, next to the slain commander of Boxer, Samuel Blyth. His tablet notes that it was "erected by a passing stranger." For Burrows' actions, he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.

Three ships in the United States Navy have been named USS Burrows for him. Blyth & Burrows, a bar in Portland, Maine, is named for the duo.

Congressional Gold Medal citation That the President of the United States be requested to present to the nearest male relative of lieutenant William Burrows, and to lieutenant Edward R. McCall of the brig Enterprise, a gold medal with suitable emblems and devices; and a silver medal with like emblems and devices to each of the commissioned officers of the aforesaid vessel, in testimony of the high sense entertained in the conflict with the British sloop Boxer, on the fourth of September, in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirteen. And the President is also requested to communicate to the nearest male relative of lieutenant Burrows the deep regret which Congress feel for the loss of that valuable officer, who died in the arms of victory, nobly contending for his country's rights and fame.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Awards
Congressional Gold Medal
Also known as
William Burrows

People in William Ward Burrows II's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped William Ward Burrows II's

Frequently asked questions

Who was William Ward Burrows II?

United States Navy officer (1785-1813)

When was William Ward Burrows II born?

William Ward Burrows II was born on 6 October 1785.

When did William Ward Burrows II die?

William Ward Burrows II died on 5 September 1813.

What was William Ward Burrows II's occupation?

William Ward Burrows II was a military officer.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: William Ward Burrows II

· Wikidata: Q8020012

· DBpedia: William Ward Burrows II

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). William Ward Burrows II. https://biography.guide/william-ward-burrows-ii/

MLA: "William Ward Burrows II." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/william-ward-burrows-ii/.

Chicago: "William Ward Burrows II." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/william-ward-burrows-ii/.

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