Adolph E. Borie
United States merchant
Died when: 70 years 72 days (842 months)Star Sign: Sagittarius
Adolph Edward Borie (November 25, 1809 – February 5, 1880) was a United States merchant and politician who briefly served (1869) as Secretary of the Navy in the Ulysses S.
Grant administration.A native of Philadelphia, Borie was born into the successful mercantile trade business of his father.When the Civil War broke out, Borie became a close associate to General Ulysses S.
Grant.Early in Grant's presidential administration, Borie served as Navy Secretary for a few months before stepping down, citing frail health.
As Navy Secretary, Borie controversially renamed many naval ships, enforced full pay for an eight-hour work day, and desegregated the Washington Navy Yard, allowing African Americans to freely work alongside whites.
He accompanied Grant on his 1877-79 world tour.Borie died on February 5, 1880, and is buried at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia.
Two U.S. warships have been named USS Borie.