William McKean

William Wister McKean (19 September 1800 – 22 April 1865) was an admiral in the United States Navy during the American Civil War. He was noted for his service in the Union blockade that effectively closed Confederate seaports in the Gulf of Mexico.

Biography
Born in Pennsylvania, McKean was the grandson of Thomas McKean, the governor of that state.

William Wister McKean was appointed midshipman on 30 November 1814. He served in the Navy from the War of 1812 to the Civil War, when he rose to the rank of flag officer in command of the Gulf Blockading Squadron in early 1862 and later the East Gulf Blockading Squadron. McKean was relieved from active duty on 4 June 1862.

McKean died at Binghamton, New York, 22 April 1865.

Dates of rank

 * Midshipman - 30 November 1814
 * Lieutenant - 13 January 1825
 * Commander - 8 September 1841
 * Captain - 14 September 1855
 * Retired List - 27 December 1861
 * Flag Officer, Retired List - 3 January 1862
 * Commodore, on Retired List - 16 July, 1862
 * Died - 22 April 1865

Namesakes
Two ships were named USS McKean in his honor.