Albert Kautz

Albert Kautz (1839-1907) was an American naval officer, born at Georgetown, Ohio. He graduated at the Naval Academy in 1861. In June, 1861, as commander of a prize brig, he was captured near Cape Hatteras, but was released on parole and proceeded to Washington, where he succeeded in negotiating the first exchange of prisoners authorized by President Lincoln. His services in the engagements on the lower Mississippi received commendatory notice, and at the close of the Civil War he was made lieutenant commander. The Navy attracted him for another 36 years. In 1898 he was promoted to the rank of rear admiral and in 1901 he was retired.

Born Georgetown, Ohio, 29 January 1839, the son of George and Dorthea (Lewing) Kautz. His brother was Major General August V. Kautz, US Army. Married, with one son, Austin Kautz, who served in the United States Navy. Died in Florence, Italy, 5 February 1907. He received his commission from Ohio, 28 September 1854, and attended the United States Naval Academy from September 1854 to June 1858. He was promoted to Captain, 2 June 1885; to Commodore, 6 April 1897; Rear Admiral, 25 December 1898 and placed on the retired list, 29 January 1901.

During the Civil War he was taken prisoner off Cape Hatteras 25 June 1861, and was paroled by Confederate President Jefferson Davis along with Lieutenant John L. Worden and another officer; they subsequently became first officers exchanged in the Civil War. Then served on staff of Rear Admiral Farragut on lower Mississippi River, commanding the first division of guns against Confederate Forts Jackson and St Philip, the Chalmette batteries, and the capture of New Orleans. He personally hauled down Lone Star flag from city hall (which Mayor Munroe refused to strike), and hoisted Stars and Stripes on the customs house. He was on the USS Hartford during the engagements with the Vicksburg batteries, June and July 1862.

He later served on various stations and duties and was in command at Apia, Samoa, March to April 1899, during the troubles with native chiefs, and was commended for conduct on that occasion. He died in 1907 and was buried in Section 2, Grave 1108, of Arlington National Cemetery.

His wife Esther Hemphill Kautz, 1844-1922, is buried with him as is his son, Austin Kautz, Captain, United States Navy (1873-1927).

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