William P. Wood

William P. Wood
Sketch of Wood in 1911 publication
1st Chief of the United States Secret Service
In office
July 5, 1865 – 1869
PresidentAndrew Johnson
Preceded byOffice established
Succeeded byHiram C. Whitley
Personal details
Born(1820-03-11)March 11, 1820
Alexandria, Virginia, U.S.
DiedMarch 20, 1903(1903-03-20) (aged 83)
Washington, D.C., U.S.
Resting placeCongressional Cemetery
Washington, D.C., U.S.
Political partyWhig
Know-Nothing Party
Spouse
Harriet Elizabeth Smith
(m. 1849; died 1899)
Children6
Occupation
  • Soldier
  • lawyer
  • investigator
Military service
Branch/serviceUnited States Army
Years of service1847–1848
Unit3rd Regular Cavalry
Battles/wars

William P. Wood (March 11, 1820 – March 20, 1903) was a soldier in the United States Army during the Mexican–American War. He was the first chief of the United States Secret Service.