Ripley in Brown County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Rear Admiral Joseph Fyffe

Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 11, 2019

1. Rear Admiral Joseph Fyffe Marker

Inscription. This tablet is erected to Rear Admiral Joseph Fyffe. On Jan. 25th, 1865, as commander of a wooden gun boat The Hunchback, he attacked alone two Confederate Iron Clads which retreated up the James.

Admiral Fyffe always held that day in January as an anniversary, wearing his uniform on what he called the great day of his life. He was decorated by Queen Victoria for his historic service in the search for Sir John Franklin who was lost in the Arctic Region in 1856.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is January 25, 1865.

Location. 38° 44.939′ N, 83° 50.933′ W. Marker is in Ripley, Ohio, in Brown County. Marker is at the intersection of North Front Street and Locust Street, on the right when traveling north on North Front Street. It is in the flower bed of The Signal House Bed and Breakfast. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 234 N Front St, Ripley OH 45167, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Residence of General Granville Moody (here, next to this marker); John P. Parker Memorial Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Charles Young in Ripley / Colonel Young's Achievements (within shouting distance of this marker); First Home of Rev. John Rankin (within

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shouting distance of this marker); John P. Parker (within shouting distance of this marker); John Parker’s Path (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named John P. Parker (within shouting distance of this marker); John P. Parker’s Early Life (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ripley.

More about this marker. “The James” referred to in the text is the James River in Virginia.

Also see . . . Wikipedia entry for Joseph P. Fyffe. Excerpt:

Traditionally, the cost of transportation for a Navy officer and his family was initially paid for by the officer receiving the permanent change of station orders, and he would be reimbursed upon arrival for all expenses and pay en route. Lieutenant commander (United States) Joseph P. Fyffe changed this custom in 1870 when he was assigned to travel from New England to San Francisco in order to take a new assignment.

Since he had no funds for travel, he walked. He strapped his dress sword to a small suitcase and began walking from New England to San Francisco, sending a telegram each night showing his progress
Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 11, 2019

2. The Signal House, circa 1830, Ripley, Ohio
This marker is in the flower bed to the right of the entrance walkway.
and nightly accommodations. After five days on the road, his shoes gave out, and he sent this telegram: “30 August 1870 • En route • on foot • request recruiting officer be authorized issue me new shoes • shoes fell apart noon today • entered Albany (New York) barefooted • will remain Seward Hotel two days awaiting answer • earned my keep as bartender • local rum far superior to that served in the US Navy • am sending sample • very respectfully Fyffe.”

The next day, the local recruiting station received a telegram from the Secretary of the Navy advancing funds for the transportation of officers to their new duty stations. “Pass following message to Lt. Comdr J. P. Fyffe USN now at Seward Hotel Bar • Quote • I strike my colors • United States Secretary of the Navy authorizes recruiting officer Albany issue you shoes and provide you quickest transportation from Albany to San Francisco • Even Chief Bureau of Navigation can laugh when outsmarted • unquote • Respectfully Bureau of Navigation”

(Submitted on June 19, 2019.)

Rear Admiral Joseph Fyffe (1832–1896) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Unknown Photographer, circa 1894

3. Rear Admiral Joseph Fyffe (1832–1896)

Taken shortly after his promotion to Rear Admiral.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 19, 2019. It was originally submitted on June 19, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 226 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 19, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.