MARIX, ADOLPH:

American naval commander; born Apr. 24, 1848, in Saxony. He went to America while still a boy, and in 1864 entered the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md., graduating in 1868. In 1869 he was promoted to the rank of ensign, and in the following year was assigned to special duty on the U. S. S. "Congress." He was promoted master in 1870, served on the "Canandaigua" with the North Atlantic squadron during 1871-72, was commissioned lieutenant in 1872, and served thereafter on various ships in the North Atlantic and Asiatic stations until 1879, when he was assigned to service in the Hydrographic Office. In 1880 he was ordered to the training-ship "Minnesota," from which, in 1882, he was transferred to the battle-ship "Brooklyn," then with the South Atlantic squadron. From 1883 to 1886 he served again on the Asiatic station, after which he was assigned to special service in the judge-advocate-general's office. In connection with his duties in this department he was sent to Australia (1888), and on his return (1889) was ordered to the training-ship "Jamestown," from which he (1892) was transferred to the Hydrographic Office in New York. In 1893 he was promoted lieutenant-commander and assigned to the receiving-ship "Minnesota," until in 1895 he was transferred to the ill-fated battle-ship "Maine," on which he served until January, 1898, when he took command of the U. S. S. "Scorpion." He served as recorder of the Maine court of inquiry. In March, 1899, he was promoted to the rank of commander.

Commander Marix was by act of Congress advanced two numbers for "eminent and conspicuous conduct in battle in two engagements at Manzanillo July 1 and July 18, 1898," during the Spanish-American war.

Bibliography:
  • Hamersly, Records of Living Officers of the U. S. Navy, New York, 1898;
  • List of Officers of the U. S. Navy and of the Marine Corps 1775-1900, pp. 351, 718.
E. C. F. C.
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