Adolph Borie | |
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25th United States Secretary of the Navy | |
In office March 9, 1869 – June 25, 1869 | |
President | Ulysses S. Grant |
Preceded by | Gideon Welles |
Succeeded by | George M. Robeson |
Personal details | |
Born | Adolph Edward Borie November 25, 1809 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
Died | February 5, 1880 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | (aged 70)
Resting place | Laurel Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
Political party | Whig (Before 1854) Republican (1854–1880) |
Education | University of Pennsylvania (BA) |
Adolph Edward Borie (November 25, 1809 – February 5, 1880) was a United States merchant and politician who briefly served (1869) as Secretary of the Navy in the Ulysses S. Grant administration.
A native of Philadelphia, Borie was born into the successful mercantile trade business of his father. When the Civil War broke out, Borie became a close associate to General Ulysses S. Grant. Early in Grant's presidential administration, Borie served as Navy Secretary for a few months before stepping down, citing frail health. As Navy Secretary, Borie controversially renamed many naval ships, enforced full pay for an eight-hour work day, and desegregated the Washington Navy Yard, allowing African Americans to freely work alongside whites. He accompanied Grant on his 1877-79 world tour.
Borie died on February 5, 1880, and is buried at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia. Two U.S. warships have been named USS Borie.