Appletons' Cyclopædia of American Biography/Farquhar, Norman von Heldreich

FARQUHAR, Norman von Heldreich, naval officer, b. in Pottsville, Pa., 11 April, 1840. He was graduated at the U. S. naval academy in 1859, became a lieutenant in 1861, a lieutenant-commander in 1865, and a commander in 1872. In 1862-'3 he was executive officer of the steamer “Mahaska,” of the North Atlantic squadron, and during that period frequently engaged the enemy both afloat and in expeditions on shore. As executive officer of the “Santiago de Cuba” he took part in both attacks on Fort Fisher, N. C., and led the men of that vessel in the successful assault on the fort of 15 Jan., 1865. He was commandant of cadets at the U. S. naval academy in 1881-'6, and in the latter year was promoted captain.