WALTER M. CONSTANT, LT, USN
Walter Constant '77
Walter Maibee Constant was admitted to the Naval Academy from Indiana on June 13, 1873 at age 16 years 3 months.
Loss
Walter died of pneumonia on October 27, 1890 while serving aboard USS Omaha in Yokohama, Japan. (His death occurred aboard the squadron's flagship, USS Swartara.)
Other Information
From researcher Kathy Franz:
On the practice cruise in September 1874, Walter was noted as frequenting a billiard saloon on shore. He was quarantined as his punishment.
After graduation, Walter was on the steamer Monongahela sailing for the Asiatic station. She was to be the new flagship, relieving the Tennessee. In December 1879, Walter was detached from the Tennessee and ordered to the Vandalia.
In October 1880, Walter led a group of nine “pioneer” sailors in the Army and Navy parade in Baltimore's sesquicentennial celebration. The sailors marched with axes and other implements. The main group of sailors were from the Kearsage and the Vandalia.
From June to November 1882, Walter was ordered to the Coast Survey on the steamer Blake.
In January 1883, he was ordered to the training ship Portsmouth. Walter was detached from the Portsmouth in October 1885.
From 1885 to 1888, he was a drill officer on the receiving ship Wabash. In May 1887, he was ordered to torpedo instruction, and in September, he reported for duty at the Naval War College.
In October 1888, Walter was detached from the Coast Survey and assigned to the Kearsage. At the time of his death, he was commandant of the flagship Omaha.
Walter's remains arrived in Peru at 3 o'clock in the morning on May 1, 1891. A salute of thirteen guns was fired and the remains were escorted by a company of militia from the Grand Army of the Republic to the First Presbyterian Church. The remains laid in state until 2 o'clock when the funeral service began. Local business was suspended, and his funeral was largely attended.
Walter's father John was a medical examiner appointed by the commissioner of pensions.
He is buried in Indiana, and has a memory marker in Arlington National Cemetery. He was survived by his brother, Schuyler.
Career
From the Naval History and Heritage Command:
Cadet Midshipman, 13 June, 1873. Graduated 18 June, 1879. Ensign, 14 September, 1881. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, 1 July, 1888. Died 27 October, 1890.
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