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Philo McGiffin Wikipedia

Philo Norton McGiffin (December 13, 1860, Washington, Pennsylvania - February 11, 1897, New York, New York|New York City) was a United States Navy officer of the late 19th century, who later served as a naval advisor in China during the First Sino-Japanese War.

He was the son of Colonel Norton McGiffin, a Civil War veteran, and Sarah Quail. He grew up in Washington, Pennsylvania and attended local Washington and Jefferson College before transferring to the United States Naval Academy|U.S. Naval Academy in 1877. While at Annapolis, he gained a reputation as a practical joker.

He graduated in 1881, and went to sea as a midshipman. In those days, several years of sea duty were required before receiving a commission. In an era of limited U.S. naval spending, only a few commissions were available to each graduating class. Unfortunately for McGiffin, when he took the exam in 1884 he did not score highly enough and so did not obtain one of the few commissions available that year.

Looking for employment, he therefore offered his services to the Imperial Chinese Navy, which commissioned him as a captain. He took part in the 1894 Battle of Yalu River (1894)|Battle of the Yalu, part of the First Sino-Japanese War, on board the battleship Chen Yuen in Admiral Ting Ju Chang's fleet.

McGiffin was severely wounded in the battle, and returned to the United States after the war ended. He died in New York City on February 11, 1897.

Last Modified:   2005-11-04