The New International Encyclopædia/Radford, William

RADFORD, William (1808-90). An American naval officer, born at Fincastle, Botetourt County, Va. He entered the navy in 1825, and rose through successive grades to the rank of rear-admiral, which he attained in 1866. He distinguished himself at Mazatlan in 1847 during the Mexican War, and commanded the Cumberland in 1861, but was on court-martial duty at Old Point Comfort when that vessel was sunk by the Merrimac. He served in both attacks on Fort Fisher in 1864-65, was in command of the New Ironsides under Admiral Porter, and in 1869-70 commanded the European squadron. In 1871 he was retired from the service.