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John Moulder Wilson
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John Moulder Wilson
Born (1837-10-08)October 8, 1837
Washington, D.C.
Died February 1, 1919(1919-02-01) (aged 81)
Washington, D.C.
Place of burial
West Point Cemetery
Allegiance United States of America
Union
Service/branch United States Army
Union Army
Years of service 1860–1901
Rank Union Army brigadier general rank insignia.svg Brigadier General
Commands held Chief of Engineers
Battles/wars American Civil War
Awards Medal of Honor
Other work Superintendent of the United States Military Academy

John Moulder Wilson (October 8, 1837 – February 1, 1919) was a Union Army engineer and later served as Chief of Engineers as well as serving as Superintendent of the United States Military Academy from 1889–1893. He was a recipient of the Medal of Honor for bravery in combat during the American Civil War.

Biography

Wilson was born in Washington, D.C.. He graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1860 and was commissioned into combined Batteries B & L, 2nd U.S. Artillery as part of the U.S. Horse Artillery Brigade. He transferred to the Corps of Topographical Engineers in July 1862 and was awarded the Medal of Honor for fighting at the Battle of Malvern Hill in Virginia, on August 6, 1862. He joined the United States Army Corps of Engineers in 1863 and received three brevet promotions for gallant service in Alabama.

Wilson 1LT James M - Batteries B & L 2nd US Artillery - June 1862
First Lieutenant John M.Wilson, June 1862. Detail of a photo by James F. Gibson. Library of Congress.

After the Civil War, Wilson worked on Hudson River improvements and drafted plans for the canal around the Cascades of the Columbia River. He improved the Great Lakes harbors of Oswego, New York, Cleveland, Ohio, and Toledo, Ohio. Wilson headed the divisions of the Chief's office pertaining to military affairs for four years, was in charge of public buildings and grounds in Washington during both Grover Cleveland administrations, and was Superintendent of West Point from 1889-1893. Before his appointment as Chief of Engineers, he was Northeast Division Engineer. As Chief of Engineers, he directed the Corps' activities during the Spanish–American War.

Wilson retired from the Corps on April 30, 1901. He served as an arbitrator during the Coal Strike of 1902, and was president of the Columbia Hospital for Women from 1902 to 1907. He remained a prominent figure in the cultural life of Washington until his death there on February 1, 1919.

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