As I write this, it is Veteran’s Day 2020, I want to share my appreciation to all who serve and those who have served. As I explore my own family members who have served in the past, one story jumps out at me. One great great grandfather served in the lesser-known “Spanish American War.”
The Spanish American War started April 25, 1898 and lasted until August 13, 1898. The ten-week conflict was between Spain and the US due to worsening socio-economic and military position of Spain after the Peninsular War.
My great great grandfather, Frederick William English, enlisted in the Navy, North Atlantic Fleet at Detroit, Michigan with the rank of Private Landsman. When the “Spanish Conflict” began he was involved.
Information from Navy Records
Frederick William English enlisted in the navy August 13, 1896, at Detroit, Michigan, to serve three years, as landsman. Born in Ripon, Wisconsin, February 2, 1872; occupation, laborer; height 5’10”; eyes, blue; hair, black; complexion, ruddy; “Lou” r.f.a; scar left big toe and below right knee.
Served as followed”
“Michigan” to Mar. 25, 1898
“Minneapolis” to Aug. 20, 1898
“Yosemite” to Nov 7, 1898
“Richmond” to Nov 14, 1898
“Dixie” to Mar 7, 1899
“Vermont” to Mar 8, 1899
“Newark” to Sep 12, 1899
“Franklin” to Sep 18, 1899
When discharged, expiration of enlistment. Rating changed to ordinary seaman, May 5, 1897.
The file also included a detailed medical history. “June 5, 1899, Contusion, Right thigh, leg and ankle. Origin duty hit by falling tree while cutting wood for ship.” He suffered with leg and knee pain for the rest of his life.
The pension papers were filled out by my ancestor including a detailed questionnaire. When, where married, a copy of the marriage certificate. Names and dates of birth of all children. Description about his health and accidents while in service.
And his signature!
You may be thinking how would I learn about my ancestor and their service record.
- To begin you can check with your family member and record the “stories” they know. Record all places and dates as they know them.
- You can order your ancestor’s military record. Check out the website: https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records
Military personnel records are open to the public 62 years after they leave the military.
National Personnel Records Center
Military Personnel Records
1 Archives Drive
St. Louis, MO 63138
PHONE: 314-801-0800*
Most records are free. *Due to covid-19 the Customer Service Line is sometimes unstaffed.
Once you have established what unit your ancestor served in you can search that specific until for clues.
Preparations for the Spanish American conflict started in October 1897 with the main issue being Cuban Independence from Spain. President McKinley resisted the idea of war but finally on April 11, 1898 he asked Congress for authority to send American troops to Cuba and on April 25th that year, the Spanish American War was declared. It would be one of only 5 American wars to have been formally declared by Congress. And it would be one of the shortest wars in history, lasting just 3 months, 2 weeks and 4 days.
Aboard the ship USS Michigan in 1898, my ancestor patrolled up and down the Atlantic Coast while heavy fighting was taking place in and around Cuba.
Frederick was serving on the SS Minneapolis at the time the war officially ended but peace-keeping activities would continue on the Atlantic Coast and the Gulf of Mexico.
Aug 13, 1898 – Over the next 7 months Frederick served on the SS Yosemite
Picture of the Yosemite and crew, wouldn’t it be awesome if that was your ancestor.
The next vessel is the SS Richmond
And then the SS Dixie to Mar 7, 1899
and the SS Vermont to Mar 8, 1899.
On March 9, 1899 Frederick transferred to the SS Newark. By that time the conflict was called the Philippine-American War.
Aboard the Newark, Frederick made the trip down the eastern coast of South America on patrol, stopping at numerous ports along the way. His heavy wool uniform became increasingly uncomfortable as the climate warmed. Reports state the temperature was high (108 degrees) and high humidity. The men slept on deck when possible, but there were bugs, irritating bugs.
By April 7 the ship sailed through the Straights of Magellan and headed north towards San Francisco. The ship became low on coal and was forced to put into Lowe Bay, Chili, just north of the Magellan Straights where the sailors were required to cut wood for fuel. It was while on shore cutting wood that a tree fell on Frederick causing a serious contusion of his right thigh, leg and ankle. He was admitted to sick bay for 8 days. On arrival in San Francisco in September of 1899 he would transfer to the USS Franklin
The USS Franklin provided his transport back to Norfolk, Virginia for discharge after serving 3 years in the Navy.
Amazing online photos of military vessels!
https://guides.loc.gov/chronicling-america-spanish-american-war
SPANISH AMERICAN WAR TIMELINE
| April 25, 1898 The U.S. Congress declares war on Spain. |
| May 1, 1898 First major battle between Spanish and U.S. Forces: U.S. Commodore Dewey and his Asiatic squadron defeat the Spanish fleet at Manila Bay in the Philippines. |
| June 22, 1898 U.S. troops land in Cuba. |
| July 1, 1898 U.S. forces defeat the Spanish at the Battle of San Juan Heights. |
| July 3, 1898 U.S. forces destroy the Spanish Fleet off Santiago Bay, Cuba. |
| July 17, 1898 The Spanish surrender at Santiago. |
| August 12, 1898 The U.S. and Spain sign the Protocol of Peace, ending hostilities between the two countries. |
| December 10, 1898 The Treaty of Paris is signed by representatives from the U.S. and Spain, ending the Spanish-American War. |
| February 6, 1899 The Treaty of Paris is ratified by the U.S. Senate. Under the treaty, the U.S. acquires control over Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippines. |
I find it so interesting to line up my ancestor’s service, the military timeline and resources from newspapers. How will your history come alive?
“Glorious Victory of Dewey’s Fleet”, The San Francisco Call (San Francisco, CA), May 2, 1898, Page 1, Image 1, col. 1.
Geneographer 
