Joel Abbot

Joel Abbot (January 18, 1793 – December 14, 1855) was a U.S. naval officer who served notably in the War of 1812, and commanded a squadron during Commodore Perry's 1852 visit to Japan.

Military Career
Born in Westford, Massachusetts, Abbot entered the Navy as midshipman at the beginning of the War of 1812. He served first on the frigate USS President (1800) and next on Lake Champlain with Commodore Macdonough, who, when he asked Abbot if he were ready to die for his country received the reply "Certainly, sir; that is what I came into the service for." Abbot was then ordered to enter the British lines as a spy and destroy a number of spars which had been stored at Sorel. For his success in this dangerous exploit, and for his bravery in the engagement at Cumberland Head on 11 September 1814, the young officer received a sword of honor from Congress and was commissioned a lieutenant. In 1818, he was given charge of the captured pirate ship Mariana.

Abbot was promoted to commander in 1838, and the following year was given command of the Boston Navy Yard.

In 1843 he took command of the sloop-of-war USS Decatur, one of Commodore Perry’s African squadron. On 3 October 1850, Abbot was promoted to captain. In 1852, when Commodore Perry was entrusted with power to select the officers to accompany him on his famous Japan expedition, he chose Captain Abbot in command of the sailing frigate USS Macedonian (1836). In 1854, he was appointed Flag Officer of the East India Squadron. He died in Hong Kong in 1855.

Family Life
He married Mary Wood in Jan. 1820. He later married Laura Wheaton on Nov. 29, 1825. He had 10 children.

Namesake
Two ships of the US Navy were named USS Abbot in his honor.