Source: Naval Historical Center photo NH 48896 Rear Admiral Thornton A. Jenkins photographed by Matthew Brady.
Thornton Alexander Jenkins, (1811–1893) began his career with eight years’ service on the coast survey. In 1845, he and fellow lieutenant Richard Bache were dispatched by the Secretary of the Treasury to Europe to identify opportunities for improvement to the US lighthouse system. Their report proposed that a board be appointed to oversee lighthouse improvements, but was not acted upon until 1851. That same year, Jenkins was given command of surveying steamer USS Jefferson. Later, as captain, he commanding steam screw sloop USS Richmond and, as fleet captain, was senior officer present in the West Gulf Blockading Squadron under Adm. David G. Farragut. He and James Strong were among Farragut’s captains present at the Battle of Mobile Bay; he later served as Farragut’s chief-of-staff. Following the Civil War, Jenkins commanded the Asiatic Squadron. A recognized expert in meteorology, he became Chief of the Bureau of Navigation and later President of the Naval Institute. Publications included “Code of flotilla and boat squadron signals for the united States Navy” of 1861 and “The United States Naval Signal Code” of 1867, both prepared by authority of Navy Secretary Gideon Welles.
