Edwin Stanton McCook facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edwin Stanton McCook
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| Born | March 26, 1837 Carrollton, Ohio |
| Died | September 11, 1873 (aged 36) Yankton, Dakota Territory |
| Place of burial |
Spring Grove Cemetery, Cincinnati, Ohio
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| Allegiance | United States Union |
| Service/ |
Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861-1865 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet major general |
| Commands held | 31st Illinois Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Edwin Stanton McCook (born March 26, 1837 – died September 11, 1873) was an American soldier and politician. He was an officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. After the war, he became a politician in the Dakota Territory. Sadly, he was shot and killed while serving as acting governor on September 11, 1873.
Contents
A Brave Soldier: Edwin McCook's Story
Early Life and Family
Edwin Stanton McCook was part of a famous family of Civil War officers. They were known as the "Fighting McCooks". He was born in Carrollton, Ohio. His father was Daniel McCook. Edwin studied at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.
Serving in the Civil War
When the Civil War began, Edwin McCook quickly joined the fight. He helped gather a group of soldiers. He became part of the 31st Illinois Infantry. He served under his friend, Colonel John A. Logan.
McCook fought in important battles like Fort Henry and Fort Donelson. He was badly hurt at Fort Donelson. Later, he was put in charge of Logan's brigade. A brigade is a large group of soldiers.
During the Vicksburg Campaign, McCook was promoted again. He took over command of a division. A division is an even larger group of soldiers. He led his division during the Siege of Vicksburg under Ulysses S. Grant.
In 1864, he fought well in the Chattanooga and Atlanta campaigns. He also marched with William T. Sherman in the March to the Sea. McCook was seriously wounded three times during the war. But he survived until the end of the fighting.
Becoming a General
After the war, on January 13, 1866, President Andrew Johnson suggested McCook for a special honor. He was named a brevet brigadier general of volunteers. This meant he had the rank and honor of a general. The United States Senate agreed to this on March 12, 1866. Later, on April 16, 1867, the Senate also made him a brevet major general.
Political Career and Sad Death
Moving West and Becoming Governor
After the war, Edwin McCook moved west. In 1872, he was named the Secretary of the Dakota Territory. In the spring of 1873, McCook became the acting governor of Dakota Territory. He took over from the previous governor, John A. Burbank.
His Untimely Death
On September 11, 1873, Edwin McCook was shot and killed. This happened at a public meeting in a saloon in Yankton, Dakota Territory. He was killed by Peter P. Wintermute. Wintermute was a banker and disagreed with McCook about a railroad issue.
McCook was buried in Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati, Ohio. Many other members of his famous family are also buried there. You can find his grave in Section 10, Lot 1.
Honors and Legacy
McCook County, South Dakota, is named after Edwin Stanton McCook. This honors his service and memory.
