John Wool | |
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Born | February 20,[1] 1784 Newburgh, New York |
Died | November 10, 1869 Troy, New York | (aged 85)
Place of burial | Oakwood Cemetery, Troy, New York |
Allegiance | United States of America Union |
Service/ | United States Army Union Army |
Years of service | 1812–1863 |
Rank | Major General |
Commands | Department of the East Department of the Pacific Department of Virginia VIII Corps |
Battles/wars | War of 1812 American Civil War |
John Ellis Wool (February 20,[1] 1784 – November 10, 1869) was an officer in the United States Army during three consecutive U.S. wars: the War of 1812, the Mexican–American War and the American Civil War. He also participated in the Rogue River Indian War and the Trail of Tears ethnic cleansing of Native Americans. By the time of the Mexican-American War, he was widely considered one of the most capable officers in the army and a superb organizer.
He was one of the five general officers (along with Winfield Scott, David E. Twiggs, William S. Harney, and Joseph E. Johnston) of the United States Army in 1861, and was the one who had the most service. When the Civil War began, Wool, age 77 and a brigadier general for 20 years, commanded the Department of the East. He was the oldest general on either side of the war.