DOB/DOD: May 17, 1834 (Rotterdam, Netherlands) – September 25, 1907 (New London, CT); 73 years old
MARITAL STATUS: Married to Margaret O’Neil (1840-1914).
CHILDREN: One son, John F. (1870-?)
* Captain of the Top rank was one of two petty officers placed in charge of the foremast or mainmast.
MEDAL OF HONOR CITATION
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING: Civil War
BRANCH OF SERVICE: Navy
SHIP: U.S.S. Brooklyn
GENERAL ORDERS: War Department, General Orders No. 45 (December 31, 1864)
AGE ON THE DAY OF THE EVENT: 30
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Captain of the Top Alexander Mack, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving on board the U.S.S. Brooklyn during successful attacks against Fort Morgan, rebel gunboats and the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay, Alabama, on 5 August 1864. Although wounded and sent below for treatment, Captain of the Top Mack immediately returned to his post and took charge of his gun and, as heavy enemy return fire continued to fall, performed his duties with skill and courage until he was again wounded and totally disabled.
From The Day (New London, CT) September 25, 1907
DEATH CAME TO OLD NAVAL HERO
BOATSWAIN MACK PASSES AWAY AFTER LONG ILLNESS – HIS GREAT CAREER
Alexander Mack, Chief Boatswain in the United States Navy, retired and died Tuesday afternoon at about 5 o’clock at his home, Montauk Avenue. He leaves a widow and one son, John Mack. Boatswain Mack has been ill for several months, and of late, the services of a nurse have been constantly required. Dr. H. H. Heyer has been attending physician and the aged veteran’s son, John, has been an unfailing source of help to his father the latter’s sufferings.
Boatswain Mack was born at sea, off Holyhead, in the Irish Channel, on May 17, 1836. Born on the water, it was but natural that he should follow the sea for a livelihood. It was not surprising, therefore, that he began when he was 10 years of age and that during his boyhood days, he made a trip around Cape Horn. During 1854, he was in the English Navy and was one of the crew of H. M.S. Algiers. During this period, he served in the Crimean War.
It was during the Civil war, in 1863, that the intrepid sailor and fighter entered the United States Navy, joining the ship Brooklyn. He was given the rating of captain of the maintop. During the Battle of Mobile Bay Boatswain Mack was one of the crew with Admiral Farragut and distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry. During the fighting he lost his left arm and was injured in 31 different places about his body. He had to be dragged from his post in order that his life might be saved. For service with Farragut, he was awarded a medal of honor by Congress.
Boatswain Mack was retired from the United States Navy on December 12, 1864, on account of disability. Again, in 1872, Boatswain Mack joined the Navy and received his commission as Chief Boatswain. He served on various ships and at the New London Naval station for over six years. It was while stationed here that he decided to make his home in New London. Upon his final retirement in 1899, he took up his residence on Montauk Avenue. For several years, Boatswain Mack has been the only commandant at the station up the river. But in recent months, he had retired from any active participation in the management of the yard.
Aside from his service to this country. Boatswain Mack was a good citizen and was generally respected by his neighbors and fellow citizens.
From The Day (New London, CT) September 27, 1907
BORNE TO THE GRAVE
Boatswain Mack’s Body Taken to Fall River For Interment
With the casket enwrapped with the American flag, the body of Boatswain Alexander Mack was taken to Fall River, Massachusetts, today for burial. There was no service at the house, but a mass will be celebrated in the latter city. The bearers were Jacob R. Fisher, Thomas W. Casey, Philip Spelman, and F.M. Barrows, the latter pay director’s clerk. The Navy Department was represented by the presence of Chief Boatswain Duffy, who recently arrived here to take charge of the New London Naval Station. The body was taken to the Union Station in time to be placed aboard the 9:40 train. The funeral arrangements were in charge of Caulkins & Prentis.
Buried in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, 2233 Robeson Street, Fall River, Massachusetts; Section 11, Lot 172.
END