Franklin Buchanan, an American naval officer, born in Baltimore about 1800. He entered the navy in 1815, was the first superintendent of the United States naval academy (1845-'7), became captain in 1855, and in 1861 was commandant of the navy yard at Washington. On April 19, the day when the Massachusetts volunteers were attacked in the streets of Baltimore, he sent in his resignation; but finding that Maryland did not secede, he asked to be restored. His request being refused, he entered the confederate service, superintended the fitting up of the iron-clad Merrimack, and commanded this vessel in her attack upon the federal fleet in Hampton roads. He was wounded durmg the engagement of the first day (March 8, 1862), and forced to relinquish the command. He subsequently rose to the rank of admiral in the confederate service, and commanded the fleet in Mobile bay which was defeated by Farragut, Aug. 5, 1864. In this engagement he was severely wounded, taken prisoner, and detained until the close of the war.

He has since been employed as an insurance agent in Mobile.