Born in Charleston, South Carolina. Entered the navy in 1812 at the age of 9. Promoted to lieutenant April 1, 1818, and Master Commandant May 24, 1838. Married Harriot Horry Laurens in 1827. They had three sons and five daughters.

In 1853 he was commander of the St. Louis stationed at Smyrna. In June 1853 Ingraham negotiated the release of Martin Koszta who had been taken prisoner by Austrian authorities. He was promoted to captain September 14, 1835. He was appointed chief of the Bureau of Ordinance and Hydrology in 1856.

In 1861 Ingraham resigned from the navy to enter the Confederate States Navy. He was Chief of Ordinance at Richmond. In 1863 he commanded the Palmetto State and the Chicora in battles with the Union navy. He died in Charleston, South Carolina.

Congress honored Ingraham with a gold medal (Julian NA-26) by resolution August 4, 1854, for his efforts toward the release of Koszta. The obverse was designed by Peter Cross and reverse by James Longacre.

bio: ApCAB; DAB; Drake; Failor; Loubat; NCAB 8; TCBDA; WWWA-H