William Wister McKean (19 September 1800 – 22 April 1865) was an admiral in the United States Navy during the American Civil War. He was noted for his service in the Union blockade that effectively closed Confederate seaports in the Gulf of Mexico. Biography Born in Pennsylvania, McKean was the grandson of Thomas McKean, the governor of that state. William Wister McKean was appointed midshipman on 30 November 1814. He served in the Navy from the War of 1812 to the Civil War, when he rose to the rank of flag officer in command of the Gulf Blockading Squadron in early 1862 and later the East Gulf Blockading Squadron. McKean was relieved from active duty on 4 June 1862. McKean died at Binghamton, New York, 22 April 1865. Dates of rank Midshipman - 30 November 1814 Lieutenant - 13 January 1825 Commander - 8 September 1841 Captain - 14 September 1855 Retired List - 27 December 1861 Flag Officer, Retired List - 3 January 1862 Commodore, on Retired List - 16 July, 1862 Died - 22 April 1865 Namesakes Two ships were named in his honor. Notes References External links 1800 births 1865 deaths United States Navy officers People from Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania People of Pennsylvania in the American Civil War Union Navy officers