Worden, John Lorimer

Worden, John Lorimer wûrˈdən [key], 1818–97, American naval officer, b. Westchester co., N.Y. Appointed midshipman in 1834, he saw varied service before the Civil War. Worden was captured (Apr., 1861) by the Confederates and held prisoner for seven months. Shortly after his exchange, he assumed command of the new ironclad Monitor. In the famous battle of Monitor and Merrimack, Worden was wounded in the face and temporarily blinded. Later he saw service with the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron (1862–63). Promoted to rear admiral in 1872, Worden was (1869–74) superintendent of Annapolis and commanded (1875–77) the European squadron.

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