Franklin Wharton

Franklin Wharton (July 23, 1767 – September 1, 1818) was the third Commandant of the United States Marine Corps.

Biography
Wharton was born into a prominent Philadelphia, Pennsylvania family, the son of Joseph Wharton. He had forsaken a successful business career to become the Lieutenant of Marines for the frigate United States, which was still part of the War Department. After the creation of the United States Marine Corps in July 1798 he was quickly promoted to captain in August 1798 and served as officer in charge of the vessel's Marine Detachment until the close of the Quasi-War with France in 1801.

At age 36 and a Marine officer for only five years, he became Lieutenant Colonel and Marine Corps Commandant on March 6, 1804. He was the first Commandant to occupy the Commandant's House, Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C.

As Commandant, Lt. Col. Wharton ordered a detachment of Marines to Georgia and Florida in 1811 to cooperate with United States Army troops in an attempt to subdue an Indian uprising.

Under Wharton's leadership, Marines participated in many important engagements during the War of 1812. They saw action at Annapolis, Fort McHenry, Portsmouth, Craney Island, Bladensburg and New Orleans, and fought under General Henry Dearborn on the northern frontier. At sea, they participated in virtually every important naval battle, serving aboard warships and privateers on the Great Lakes, the Atlantic, and the Pacific.

Marines fought under Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry on Lake Erie and under Commodore Isaac Chauncey on Lake Ontario. Aboard the frigate USS Constitution, Marines were important factors in its victorious battles against HMS Guerriere, HMS Java, HMS Levant, and HMS Cyane. Those aboard the Wasp saw action in the vessel's engagements with HMS Cyane, HMS Reindeer, and HMS Avon. Marines serving aboard the frigate USS United States were commended for their efficiency in its fight with the HMS Macedonian.

Lieutenant Colonel Commandant Wharton died in office on September 1, 1818 in New York City and was buried in New York's Old Trinity Church Yard.