William Wister McKean was born 30 November 1800 in Huntington County, Pennsylvania. He was appointed midshipman 30 November 1814; served in the Navy from the War of 1812 to the Civil War; rose to the rank of flag officer in command of the East Gulf Blockading Squadron; relieved from active duty 4 June 1862: and died at Binghamton, N.Y., 22 April 1865.
