Kanaris

Kanaris, CONSTANTINE, a hero of the Greek war of independence, was born in the Isle of Ipsara in 1785, and was master of a small merchant-vessel before the commencement of the war. In 1822 he blew up the Turkish admiral's ship in the Strait of Chios, and later in the same year repeated his feat in the harbour of Tenedos. In August 1824 he avenged the ravaging of Ipsara by burning a large Turkish frigate and some transport-ships which were carrying troops to Samos, and next year was only prevented from burning the Egyptian fleet in the harbour of Alexandria by an unfavourable wind springing up. He was appointed to important commands by the Greek president, Capo d'Istria, was made senator in 1847, and was minister of marine (1854-55). He took part in the revolution of 1862, and held office repeatedly under the new king. He died 15th September 1877.