Ship's Crew
Thomas Hanson
Rank(s): Marine Private
Dates of Service: 6/17/1810 - 12/29/1812
Birth Date: 1789
Death Date: 12/29/1812
Early Life
Thomas Hanson was born in Pennsylvania in about 1789.
Early Experience
As with most Americans in the early nineteenth century, Hanson spent his early years as a farmer. He enlisted as a private for five years in the Marine Corps under Captain Gale in Philadelphia on May 9, 1809. At his enlistment in 1809, he stood 5 feet, 7 ½ inches tall and had blue eyes, blond hair and a sallow complexion.
On June 17, 1810 Private Hanson transferred from USS President to Constitution at Hampton Road, Virginia. He was detached to Marine Corps headquarters at Washington, D.C., where he deserted on April 29, 1811. He was retaken on May 20, 1811. On June 11, 1812 he again joined the ship at the Washington Navy Yard.
Battles and Engagements
During Hanson’s time on board, the ship patrolled the East Coast enforcing US trade laws and later made a diplomatic voyage to northern Europe. He subsequently participated in victories over HMS Guerriere on August 19, 1812 and HMS Java on December 29, 1812. He was killed in action by Java ’s first broadside while stationed in the main top.
Hanson was killed during the battle against HMS Java on December 29, 1812.
Crew ID
6542
