Raphael Semmes

Raphael Semmes (1809–1877) was an officer in the U.S. Navy from 1826 to 1860 and the C.S. Navy starting in 1860. During the War of Secession he was captain of the famous commerce raider CSS Alabama, taking several prizes.

His nephew, Gabriel Semmes, used the family name to gain first the vice-presidency and then the presidency of the Confederate States. He became infamous for the being the president who lost the Great War.