Admiral Temple was born at Rutland, Vermont in 1824 and entered the navy as a midshipman in 1840. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1846 and served as an officer in the Mexican War.

He had a very active career during the Civil War. In July 1862, having reached the grade of lieutenant commander, he was detailed to command the gunboat Pembina in the western gulf blockading expedition and from November 1862 until September 1864, he was fleet captain of the eastern gulf blockading squadron. While on such duty he led a force of sailors in defense of the approaches of Washington, at the time when the capture of the city was seriously threatened by Gen. Early's brigade in July 1864. Admiral Temple commanded the steamer Pontoosuq from November 1864 to May 1865 and participated in the attack on Fort Fisher, the capture of Wilmington, the bombardments of forts on the James river and in the capture of Petersburg and Richmond.

He became a commodore in June 1878, served as a member of the examining and retiring board and became its president in June 1881. He attained the highest rank in the navy, namely, a rear admiral, and retired in 1884 after 40 years service.

His wife was the daughter of Gen. J.G. Totten. They had no children.