Stephen Clegg Rowan (1808-1890) – An Irish immigrant, Rowan moved to Piqua with his family in
1818. He was appointed a Navy midshipman in 1826. He sailed on the U.S.S. Vincennes during the
first global circumnavigation by a U.S. naval ship. In the Mexican War, he led a detachment of
Marines in the capture of San Diego and later aided in the capture of Los Angles. During the Civil
War, Rowan commanded the U.S.S. Pawnee which fired the first naval shots of the war. Promoted to
Rear Admiral in 1865 and to Vice Admiral in 1870, he commanded the New York Naval Yards. He
was Piqua’s first Admiral.