Question about rank

[Fairfield]

Researching a supplement to my original work on ACW soldiers & sailors from my own town, I've come across a term that I don't know. On his pension record, there is a notation that he held the rank of "Ward Room Steward". This sailor served 2 terms, first as an officer (2nd Lt.) and 2ndly as an "Ordinary Seaman". What does this term mean and is there any guess as to which service?

 

[Stryker65]

This would definitely be the naval service, the wardroom being the equivalent of the "Rec Room" for the officers of a ship. As given in the Naval papers, his role would have been:

Essentially, he would be the "restaurant manager" of the vessel.

 

[Fairfield]

This would definitely be the naval service, the wardroom being the equivalent of the "Rec Room" for the officers of a ship. As given in the Naval papers, his role would have been:

Thank you! He kept his two terms (both in the navy) separate, even making two separate entries on the 1890 Vets' Schedule. He served the 2nd as a substitute. Do you think that it is safe to guess that he held the rank of Steward during his 1st term (when he was an officer)?

 

[Stryker65]

I would guess, conversely, that it was his term as an Ordinary Seaman, so that he, a Lieutenant, would not have had to serve other officers (such as Masters or Ensigns).

 

[Fairfield]

I would guess, conversely, that it was his term as an Ordinary Seaman, so that he, a Lieutenant, would not have had to serve other officers (such as Masters or Ensigns).

That makes sense!

 

[RedRover]

Ward Room Stewards are not officers. They were "Petty officers."

The Ward Room is where the officers on a ship ate, etc.

From the USS Montauk, 1860s... the officers being served by the ward room stewards...

Here's a 1945 photograph of Ward Room Stewards serving the officers in a warship's ward room.

An "Ordinary Seaman" is among the Seamen on the ship. It is a grade below Seaman, and above a "Landsman" who would be rather green...