Born in Washington DC on January 18, 1825 to Alexander and Eleanor (Beatty) Semmes.
Entered the US Navy as a Midshipman on 22 Oct 1841, subsequently attending the Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD and earning promotion to Passed Midshipman 10 Aug 1847.
Cousin of Confederate Naval officer, Raphael Semmes.
Commanded the Steamers Rhode Island and Wamsutta during the Civil War in support of blockades along the Atlantic seaboard.
Post war service included Pensacola, FL Naval Station, and as commandant of the Washington Naval Yard. He received his promotion to commodore in Mar 1882. He passed away on 22 Sep 1885 while on sick leave in Hamilton, VA.
