Daniel McCook Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Daniel McCook Jr.
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Brig. Gen. Daniel McCook Jr
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| Born | July 22, 1834 Carrollton, Ohio |
| Died | July 17, 1864 (aged 29) Steubenville, Ohio |
| Place of burial |
Spring Grove Cemetery, Cincinnati, Ohio
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861 - 1864 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Commands held | 52nd Ohio Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Daniel McCook Jr. (born July 22, 1834 – died July 17, 1864) was a brave soldier during the American Civil War. He was part of a famous family known as the "Fighting McCooks". Daniel McCook Jr. led a group of soldiers called a brigade in the Union Army. Sadly, he was badly hurt during a battle in Georgia called the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain, and he later passed away.
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Early Life and Education
Daniel McCook Jr. was born in Carrollton, Ohio. His parents were Daniel and Martha Latimer McCook. He went to college at the University of Alabama in Florence, graduating in 1858.
After college, Daniel went back home to Steubenville, Ohio. There, he studied to become a lawyer. He passed his law exam and then moved to Leavenworth, Kansas.
Starting a Law Firm
In Kansas, Daniel McCook Jr. started a law business with some important people. These included William T. Sherman, Hugh Boyle Ewing, and Thomas Ewing Jr.. All four of these men would later become generals in the Union Army during the Civil War.
Daniel McCook Jr. got married in December 1860. His wife was Julia Tibbs from Platte County, Missouri.
Serving in the Civil War
When the Civil War began, Daniel McCook Jr. and his law partners closed their office. He became a captain of a local group of soldiers called a militia. This group later became part of the 1st Kansas Infantry.
Missing a Key Battle
The 1st Kansas Infantry marched into Missouri to fight in the Battle of Wilson's Creek. However, Daniel McCook Jr. became very sick with pneumonia and could not join the battle. The 1st Kansas suffered many losses in this fight. Their leader, Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon, was also killed.
Later, McCook became a chief of staff for a division in the Army of the Ohio. He served in this role during the Battle of Shiloh.
Leading the 52nd Ohio Infantry
On July 15, 1862, Daniel McCook Jr. became a colonel and took command of the 52nd Ohio Infantry. He then led a brigade under his old law partner, William T. Sherman, in the Army of the Cumberland.
The Battle of Kennesaw Mountain
In June 1864, General Sherman chose Daniel McCook Jr. to lead a difficult attack. This attack was on Kennesaw Mountain on June 27, 1864. McCook led his soldiers directly towards the enemy's defenses.
Just before the attack, he bravely recited a poem to his men. It was from "Horatius" by Thomas Macaulay. The poem talks about how a person can die nobly when facing great danger.
McCook reached the very top of the enemy's defenses. He was encouraging his men to follow him when he was shot in his right lung. This injury was very serious.
Promotion and Legacy
Because of his great courage in this attack, Daniel McCook Jr. was promoted. He became a full brigadier general on July 16, 1864. He was also given the honorary rank of brevet major general on the day he died. However, the Senate did not officially confirm this last promotion.
Daniel McCook Jr. is buried in Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati, Ohio.
