Geary

Geary, Sir Francis, Bart., naval officer, born in 1709, became a captain in 1742. He was distinguished for the number, size, and value of his prizes; but he took part in no operation of importance until after his promotion to be rear-admiral in 1759. He was then employed under Hawke in watching the French fleet in Brest, and under Boscawen in watching the French fleet in Rochefort. In 1762 he became a vice-admiral, and in 1775 an admiral. In 1780 he took command of the Channel fleet, but ill-health compelled him to resign the post. He was rewarded in 1782 for his great, but unostentatious services with a baronetcy. He died in retirement in 1796.