Baltimore Sun October 2, 1914
Submitted by: Sue Plunkett
Retired Naval Officer Dead
Lieut. Michael H. Plunkett Was Civil War Hero.
Retired Lieut. Michael H. Plunkett, formerly of the Engineering Corps of the United States Navy, died at 1 o'clock yesterday morning at his home, 536 North Fulton avenue, after an illness of two hours. He had been suffering from heart trouble for years, and was retired on account of it. He was 80 years old.
On Monday he returned with his family from a summer trip to New York and Atlantic City. He then seemed in good health, and it was not until Wednesday that he felt ill. He was suddenly stricken late that night, and although a physician was called, his death followed in a short time.
Born in Ireland, Lieutenant Plunkett came to this country when a boy. He was educated in Baltimore and regarded it as his home, although he was transferred from post to post during his service in the navy. He entered the service in July, 1858as assistant engineer and soon rose to the position of chief engineer.
During the Civil War he served on the steamship Harriet Lane under Admiral Farragut. While on the Vessel he took part in numerous engagements, among them being the siege of Vicksburg, the capture of Pensacola and the fighting at Galveston. During the Pensacola engagement he was instrumental in saving his vessel from capture, and for his conduct received mention in letters from Washington. At Galveston the Harriet Lane was captured, and Lieutenant Plunkett was among those taken prisoner. He was held captive for a year.
In 1874 he was retired with high commendations and for a time lived quietly at home. At the outbreak of the Spanish War he again entered service as inspector of machinery at Newport News. At the conclusion of the war he returned to Baltimer and lived here the remainder of his life.
After his retirement he was appointed examiner of the board of engineers and served in that capacity during the administrations of Governors Lowndes and Smith.
He is survived by his widow who before her marriage was Miss Laura E. Lusby, his second wife; a son, Robert A. Plunkett, of Denver; four daughters, Mrs. S. A. Drury, of Washington, D.C. and Misses amelia, florence and Catherine Plunkett, and four grandchildren.
Baltimore Sun October 3, 1914
Submitted by: Sue Pluckett
Lieut. Michael H. Plunkett.
Funeral services for Lieut Michael H. Plunkett, retired formerly
of the Engineering Corps of the United States Navy, will be held at St Martin's
Catholic Church, where a low mass of requiem will be celebrated by the Rev. C.
Carroll Smyth at 9 o'clock this morning.
the active pallbearers will be selected from Maryland Council, Knights of
Columbus, and the honorary pallbearers will be from the Military Order of the
Loyal Legion of the United States. Burial will be in Loudon Park Cemetery.
Lieutenant Plunkett had been a sufferer from heart failure for a number of years
and died at his home, 536 North Fulton avenue, yesterday.
Monday, 26-Aug-2024 18:12:21 CDT
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