Crowninshield, Benjamin W. (1772-1851) Secretary of the Navy: Benjamin Crowninshield was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on December 27, 1772; received an English education and became a businessman in Salem, Massachusetts. After serving in the state Senate for three years, he was appointed Secretary of the Navy by President Madison. Crowninshield maintained this post in Monroe's administration, and resigned in 1818. A presidential elector in 1820 and a state Senator from 1822 to 1823, he was elected to the US Congress as Democratic-Republican. He served in the Massachusetts Senate from 1823 to 1831. Crowninshield died in Boston, on April 14, 1808.