Anson G. McCook facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Anson George McCook
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Anson G. McCook
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| Born | October 10, 1835 Steubenville, Ohio |
| Died | December 30, 1917 (aged 82) New York City, New York |
| Place of burial |
Union Cemetery-Beatty Park, Steubenville, Ohio
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Brigadier General |
| Commands held | 2nd Ohio Infantry 194th Ohio Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War * First Battle of Bull Run * Battle of Perryville * Battle of Stones River * Chattanooga Campaign * Atlanta Campaign * Battle of Peachtree Creek |
| Other work | Attorney, and three-term U.S. Congressman |
Anson George McCook (born October 10, 1835 – died December 30, 1917) was an important American leader. He served as a colonel in the Union Army during the American Civil War. After the war, he was recognized for his bravery. He was given the special military title of brevet brigadier general in 1866. This means he was honored with the rank, but did not hold all the duties or pay of a full brigadier general.
In his life outside the military, McCook was a lawyer. He also served three times as a U.S. Congressman for New York State. He was part of a famous family called the “Fighting McCooks.” Many members of his family were military officers during the Civil War.
Early Life and Start of Career
Anson McCook was born in Steubenville, Ohio, on October 10, 1835. His parents were Dr. John McCook and Catherine McCook. He had five brothers, and all of them became officers in the Civil War.
After finishing school, McCook traveled to California in 1854. He spent several years on the Pacific Coast. During this time, he worked mostly in mining in California and what is now Nevada.
He returned to Ohio in 1859. There, he studied law in his family's law firm. He passed his exams and became a lawyer. However, he did not get to practice law for long. The Civil War began, and McCook decided to join the army. He answered President Abraham Lincoln's call for volunteers.
Serving in the Civil War
McCook joined the 2nd Ohio Infantry regiment. He became a captain. He fought in his first battle at the First Battle of Bull Run in Northern Virginia.
Later, his regiment was reorganized for a longer service. McCook joined again and became a major. He was then promoted to lieutenant colonel. Finally, he became a colonel of the 2nd Ohio. He served in the Army of the Cumberland.
Colonel McCook fought in many important battles. These included Perryville, Stones River, and the Chattanooga Campaign. During the Atlanta Campaign, he led a group of infantry soldiers. He was praised for his calm leadership during the Battle of Peachtree Creek. His actions were noted in official military reports. He left the army in late 1864 with his regiment.
Ohio Governor John Brough then made McCook the colonel of a new regiment. This was the 194th Ohio Infantry. This group served for one year in the Shenandoah Valley under General Philip Sheridan. McCook again showed great skill in leading his soldiers. He was officially discharged from the army on October 11, 1865.
On January 13, 1866, President Andrew Johnson honored McCook. He nominated him to be a brevet brigadier general of volunteers. This special rank was effective from March 13, 1865. The United States Senate approved this honor on March 12, 1866.
Life After the War
After the war, McCook went back to Steubenville. He officially became a lawyer in 1866. From 1865 to 1873, he worked for the U.S. government. He helped collect internal revenue taxes.
In May 1873, he moved to New York City. There, he started his own law practice. He also became involved in politics. He founded and edited a newspaper called the Daily Register. This newspaper later became the New York Law Journal. He was the president of the New York Law Publishing Company until he died.
McCook became good friends with several important Republicans. These friends included former military comrades. Among them were James Garfield, Rutherford B. Hayes, and Ohio Senator John Sherman.
McCook was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He represented Lower Manhattan from 1877 to 1883. He served on the House committee that looked after military affairs. He tried to get elected for a fourth term in 1882 but was not successful.
In December 1882, McCook was chosen for a new role. He became the Secretary of the United States Senate. He held this important job until 1893. During his time, he made many improvements. He created a system where employees were hired based on their skills. He also worked to save important historical records of the Senate.
From 1895 to 1898, Mayor William L. Strong appointed McCook as the city chamberlain of New York City. This meant he managed the city's money. He also continued to run his publishing company.
Anson George McCook passed away in New York City on December 30, 1917. He was buried in Union Cemetery-Beatty Park in his hometown of Steubenville.
