Ship's Crew
John (#1) Dougherty
Rank(s): Marine Private
Dates of Service: -
Birth Date: 1777
Death Date: 4/18/1813
Early Life
Dougherty was born around 1777 in Derry, Ireland.
Early Experience
Dougherty enlisted for five years as a private in the Marine Corps on April 19, 1809 at New York under Lieutenant Miller. Prior to his enlistment, he worked as a laborer.
Private Dougherty was transferred to USS Constitution from the Washington Navy Yard on June 28, 1812. He was transferred from the ship to the Charlestown Navy Yard on September 15, 1812.
Marine privates served as the shipboard police force and were, in effect, sea-going soldiers. They used the same manual of arms as the army and trained in much the same way. Unlike the army, Marines had to be familiar with naval work and warfare. Marines could not be ordered aloft to do the work of the seamen there, but they could expect to man the capstan or serve as gun crews on the gun deck. Marines stood watch as sentries at sensitive parts of the ship, to see that no unauthorized people passed into those spaces (such as the captain’s cabin or the spirit room). In battle, Marines armed with muskets or rifles took up station along the gangway or in the tops to keep up a constant fire on the enemy’s decks. The Marine private received $6.00-$8.00 per month.
Battles and Engagements
On August 10, 1812, Dougherty participated in the capture of a British brig, the Lady Warren. Nine days later, he served in the battle against HMS Guerriere. For his role in that victory, he received $42.62 ½ in prize money.
While serving at the Charlestown Navy Yard, Dougherty died of unspecified causes on March 18, 1813.
Crew ID
3701
