Adolph E. Borie
Adolph Borie | |
|---|---|
| 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 (aged 70) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| 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 an American merchant and politician who briefly served as Secretary of the Navy in the Ulysses S. Grant administration in 1869.
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.