First Lieutenant Alvan A. Fengar, USRM, 1861
Original caption reads: "CIVIL WAR OFFICER OF THE REVENUE MARINE, EARLIER NAME OF U.S. COAST GUARD [-] CAPTAIN Alvan A. Fengar, first of the famous Coast Guard skippers of the Cutter BEAR, is shown here as a 1st Lieutenant after receiving appointment in that rank on October 9, 1861. During the Civil War Fengar was assigned to the Cutter FLORA until he reported for duty aboard the Cutter MORRIS on July 24, 1862. He began serving as 1st LT on board the Cutter MIAMI on January 15, 1863. Commissioned a Captain on July 11, 1864, he assumed command of the Cutter PAWTUXET in September of that year. In April 1885, he took command of the Cutter BEAR when the Coast Guard acquired her from the Navy. He sailed the BEAR to San Francisco and then to the Arctic. Fengar was born on January 1, 1835 in Connecticut." [Copy-photo in "Uniform" Subject File, USCG Historian's Office Special Collections Archive & Library.]

Photo by: USCG Historian's Office |  VIRIN: 221207-G-G0000-101.JPG