John James McCook (lawyer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John James McCook
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John James McCook
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| Nickname(s) | Buck |
| Born | May 25, 1845 Carrollton, Ohio |
| Died | September 17, 1911 (aged 66) Sea Bright, New Jersey |
| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/ |
 Union Army |
| Rank | Captain Brevet Colonel |
| Unit |  52nd Ohio Infantry 6th Ohio Cavalry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Relations | Daniel McCook (father) John James McCook (uncle) |
| Other work | attorney, business director |
John James McCook (born May 25, 1845 – died September 17, 1911) was an American lawyer, business leader, and soldier. He served as an officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
John James McCook was the youngest member of the famous "Fighting McCooks" family. This well-known military family from Ohio had fifteen members who served in the war.
Early Life and Military Service
John J. McCook was born in Carrollton, Ohio. His father was Daniel McCook. He was named after his uncle, John James McCook.
He started college at Kenyon College. But he left after his first year to join the army. On August 12, 1862, he tried to enlist as a private. He was not officially accepted at first because he was too young.
However, he still went with the 52nd Ohio Infantry as a volunteer helper. Soon after, on September 12, he became a first lieutenant. He joined the 6th Ohio Cavalry.
He worked for Major General Thomas Leonidas Crittenden. McCook fought in many important battles. These included Perryville, Stones River, and Chickamauga.
In September 1863, McCook was promoted to captain. He served with Ulysses S. Grant's army in Virginia. During the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, he was badly hurt.
He recovered from his injury, but he did not fight again. He earned a special "brevet" promotion to major. This was for his brave service in that battle. By the end of the war, he was breveted as a colonel.
Life After the War
After the war, McCook went back to college. He graduated from Kenyon College in 1866. Then, he studied law at Harvard Law School. He finished law school in 1869.
He became a very successful lawyer in New York City. He worked for a well-known law firm. He also served on the boards of many big companies. These included insurance companies and railroads.
McCook cared a lot about education. He was a trustee for Kenyon College. He also helped establish rules for college graduation robes. In 1892, he gave money for the first sports stadium at the University of Kansas. It was named McCook Field.
He also helped the Santa Fe Railroad. He was one of three people chosen to help the railroad when it had money problems. He helped it become financially stable again.
John McCook was offered a job in President William McKinley's government. But he turned it down. He became good friends with President Theodore Roosevelt.
Death and Lasting Impact
John McCook passed away at his summer home in Sea Bright, New Jersey. He was 66 years old.
His daughter, Susan, married a diplomat named Peter Augustus Jay.
Two places are named after him. The town of McCook, Illinois, is one. Also, McCook Street on the campus of the University of Kansas is named in his honor.
