George Wythe McCook facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Wythe McCook
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Painting at Daniel McCook House
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| 4th Ohio Attorney General | |
| In office January 9, 1854 – January 14, 1856 |
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| Governor | William Medill |
| Preceded by | George Ellis Pugh |
| Succeeded by | Francis D. Kimball |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 21, 1821 Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, US |
| Died | December 28, 1877 (aged 56) Steubenville, Ohio, US |
| Resting place | Union Cemetery, Steubenville |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Relations | Fighting McCooks |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Branch/service |  United States ArmyUnion Army |
| Years of service | 1846-1866 |
| Rank |  ColonelOhio Adjutant General |
| Commands |  2nd Ohio Infantry 157th Ohio InfantryFort Delaware |
| Battles/wars | Mexican-American War American Civil War |
George Wythe McCook (born November 21, 1821 – died December 28, 1877) was an important person from Ohio, USA. He was a lawyer, a politician, and a soldier. He served as the top lawyer for Ohio, called the Ohio Attorney General. He was also an officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
George McCook was part of a famous family known as the Fighting McCooks. This family was special because more than a dozen of its members became officers during the war.
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Early Life and Career
George McCook was born in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. His father, Daniel McCook, was also a lawyer. George was one of twelve children in his family. In 1826, his family moved to New Lisbon, Ohio, and then to Carrollton.
He went to Ohio University for his education. After college, he studied law with a famous lawyer named Edwin M. Stanton. Later, they even became business partners.
Serving in the Mexican War
George McCook served as an officer in the 3rd Ohio Infantry Regiment. This was during the Mexican War. He fought bravely and returned home as the commander of his regiment.
A Career in Law and Politics
From 1854 to 1856, McCook was the Ohio Attorney General. This means he was the chief legal officer for the state of Ohio. During this time, he became very good at laws related to railroads.
Because of his skills, a company called the Steubenville and Indiana Railroad hired him. After his term as Attorney General ended, they sent him to Europe for legal work. In 1860, McCook was also chosen to be a delegate. He attended the Democratic National Convention in Charleston, South Carolina.
Civil War Service
When the American Civil War began, George McCook was one of the first four brigadier generals chosen by the Governor of Ohio. A brigadier general is a high-ranking military officer. However, he couldn't take the job because he was not well. This was due to his service in the Mexican War.
Later, he became a lieutenant colonel in the 2nd Ohio Infantry. A lieutenant colonel is also a senior officer. He spent a lot of time helping to find new soldiers for the army. The Governor of Ohio, William Dennison, also named him the Ohio Adjutant General. This role involves managing the state's military forces.
Later, McCook became a colonel of the 157th Ohio Infantry. This was a "Hundred Days Regiment," meaning they served for about 100 days. He was also second-in-command at Fort Delaware. This was a camp where prisoners of war were held.
At the end of the war, he received a special honor. He was given the honorary rank of brevet brigadier general. This honor was given on March 13, 1865.
After the War
After the Civil War, George McCook went back to being a lawyer. He also continued his political career. In 1871, he ran for governor of Ohio as a Democratic candidate. However, he lost the election to another former Union Army officer, Edward F. Noyes.
George McCook was also a generous person. He and another man, Rev. Dr. Charles Beatty, gave a lot of money to build the Second Presbyterian Church in Steubenville, Ohio. McCook was also a trustee for the church.
George McCook passed away in Steubenville. He is buried in Union Cemetery.
See also
