John Barry was born in Tacumshane County Wexford on March 25th 1745. His family were forced to leave Wexford and they settled in America. Often referred to as the ‘Father of the American Navy’ Barry was given his first Captain’s commission in 1776. He was appointed the first Commodore of the US Navy by President George Washington. John Barry died at Strawberry Hill, Philadelphia in the year 1803 On This Day