Maxwell Van Zandt Woodhull facts for kids
Maxwell Van Zandt Woodhull was an important officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He was born on September 17, 1843, and lived until July 15, 1921. He served his country bravely during a very difficult time in American history. After the war, he continued to contribute to society in different ways.
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Early Life and Education
Maxwell Van Zandt Woodhull was born in Washington, D.C.. His father, also named Maxwell Woodhull, was an officer in the United States Navy. Sadly, his father died in an accident during the Civil War.
Young Maxwell went to college at Miami University (Ohio). He also studied law at Columbian Law School, which is now known as George Washington University. Before and after the war, he worked as a lawyer, helping people with legal matters.
Military Service in the Civil War
Woodhull joined the Union Army on December 22, 1862, starting as a private. This was a basic rank for soldiers. He quickly showed his skills and was promoted.
Rising Through the Ranks
On March 11, 1863, he became a captain. He also served as an aide-de-camp, which means he was a special assistant to a high-ranking officer. He worked for Major General Robert C. Schenck.
A year later, on March 12, 1864, he became an aide-de-camp for Major General Lew Wallace. Wallace was a famous general and later wrote the book Ben-Hur.
Important Roles and Promotions
Woodhull continued to advance in his military career. On June 30, 1864, he was made a major and an Assistant Adjutant General. This role involved helping with important army paperwork and communications.
From February 17, 1865, to August 1, 1865, he served as a lieutenant colonel. He was the Assistant Adjutant General for the XV Corps (Union Army) in the Army of the Tennessee. This was a large group of soldiers.
He was also given the honorary rank of brevet colonel on March 13, 1865. A brevet rank is a special honor given for brave or important service.
Becoming a General
After the war, on February 22, 1866, President Andrew Johnson nominated Woodhull for another special honor. He was to become a brevet brigadier general of volunteers. The United States Senate agreed to this appointment on April 10, 1866.
Woodhull officially left the volunteer army on May 31, 1866.
Life After the War
After his military service, Maxwell Van Zandt Woodhull continued to be an active citizen. He wrote a book called West Point in Our Next War: The Only Way to Create and Maintain an Army in 1915. This book shared his ideas about how to build and keep a strong army.
He also played a big part in helping George Washington University move to its current location in Washington, D.C. This shows his dedication to education and his community.
Later Years and Legacy
Maxwell Van Zandt Woodhull passed away on July 26, 1921, in Watkins Glen, New York. He was buried at Oak Hill Cemetery (Washington, D.C.) in Washington, D.C. He is remembered for his service during the Civil War and his contributions to education and public life.
