John Drake Sloat

John Drake Sloat (born July 6, 1781 in Sloatsburg , New York , † November 28, 1867 in New Brighton , New York) was an American naval officer and military governor of California .

youth

John Drake Sloat was born in Sloatsburg, New York to a Dutch family. His father was shot dead by a British soldier two months before he was born during the War of Independence , so Sloat never met him. The mother died only a little later. This made him an orphan who was raised by his maternal grandparents.

Military career

The young Sloat joined the Navy in 1800 as a seaman and took part in the War of 1812 . After the war, he went through an officer career in the US Navy and served on various ships. When the Mexican-American War broke out , he was ordered to take part in the conquest of California. After the successful Battle of Monterrey , he announced on July 7, 1846 that California would join the United States. For a short time he became the first military governor of the area, but had to relinquish this office to Robert Field Stockton for health reasons . Sloat remained active in the Navy until 1866.

End of life

He died on November 28, 1867 in New Brighton, Staten Island, and was buried in Green Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn . The US Navy named several ships after him. In addition, some streets and schools in the United States were named after him.

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personal data
SURNAME	Sloat, John Drake
BRIEF DESCRIPTION	Military Governor of California
DATE OF BIRTH	July 6, 1781
PLACE OF BIRTH	Sloatsburg , New York
DATE OF DEATH	November 28, 1867
Place of death	New Brighton , New York