Born in Knoxville, Tennessee. Married Susan Marchant September 24, 1823. Married Virginia Loyall December 26, 1843. They had one son.

He entered the navy as a midshipman at age 9 and served during the War of 1812 before he was a teenager.

Served in the Union Navy during the Civil War. He captured New Orleans and received the thanks of congress. Farragut is known for his command August 5, 1864, at Mobile Bay, "Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead." although those were probably not his exact words. What were called torpedoes in 1864 are called mines today.

Promoted to vice admiral in 1864 and admiral in 1866. He was the first man to hold the rank of Admiral in U. S. service. He died on a visit to the naval yard at Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Farragut appears on paper money:

$100 Treasury Note, series of 1890 and 1891

bio: ApCAB; DAB; EAB; Limpert; NCAB 2; TCBDA; WAB; WWWA-H