Biography - Joseph B. Coghlan

Joseph Bullock Coghlan, U.S. Navy, who commanded the U.S.S. Adams in these waters in 1883-1884. Coghlan was born at Frankfort, Kentucky, December 9, 1844. Appointed to the Naval Academy from Illinois in 1860, he became an ensign in 1863 and was in combat service during the last part of the Civil War. In 1883 he had reached the rank of commander and took charge of the Adams at Sitka in September. During the ensuing years he made surveys in Peril Straight, Chatham Straight and Lynn Canal. In 1897, as a captain, he was in command of the U.S. Raleigh on the Asiatic station and he took an active part in the Battle of Manila Bay on May 1, 1898, and in other phases of the Philippines campaign. Commandant of the Puget Sound Navy Yard in 1899-1900 and of the New York Navy Yard in 1901-02. He retired on December 9, 1906 and died in 1908.

Coghlan Island - at the entrance to Auke Bay, 11.5 miles northwest of Juneau. Named by the Coast Survey in 1885 for Joseph Bullock Coghlan.

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