Famous Texans: Charles H. Nimitz

Many people when thinking of seaman think of the northeast, with their whalers, lobstermen, and cod fishermen. Texas is not a place many would think they would find seafaring men, however they would be wrong. Texas has a coastline approximately 3,360 miles long. Fishing, crabbing, shrimp trawling, oyster harvesting and sport fishing are major industries in Texas. Sailors and water craft along the Texas coast are as common as fleas on a hound dog. So it is not a real surprise that many Texans have graduated from the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md. Three notable graduates Ross Perot, former Cowboy’s quarter-back Roger Staubach and Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz. Admiral Nimitz was born in Fredericksburg, Feb. 24, 1885. He was Commander-in-Chief of Naval Operations of the Pacific Fleet. He played a key role in the defeat of the Japanese fleet during WWII. His families are part of the German settlers in and around the Fredericksburg area. His father died several months before his birth so he was raised by his German-born paternal grandfather, Charles H. Nimitz. His grandfather was a retired seaman of the German merchant fleet. His grandfather greatly influenced his life and love of the sea. Charles H. Nimitz, was born Karl Heinrich Nimitz, Nov. 9, 1826, in Bremen, Germany. 

By Ellis Knox, reporter@campcountynow.com -- To continue reading this article, purchase the print edition of The Pittsburg Gazette or go to our online e-edition at: http://www.etypeservices.com/Pittsburg%20GazetteID315/default.aspx