Stephen Cassin was born at Philadelphia, 16 February 1783 and entered the Navy as midshipman in 1800.

He served in frigate Philadelphia in the West Indies during the latter part of the Quasi War with France.

As lieutenant during the War of 1812, he commanded Ticonderoga in Master Commandant Thomas Macdonough’s squadron at the Battle of Plattsburgh, 11 September 1814, and was subsequently awarded a Congressional Gold Medal for this action with Macdonough and Robert Henley.

Captain Cassin died at Washington, 29 August 1857.