Robert Crooke Wood facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Crooke Wood
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| Born | September 23, 1799 Newport, Rhode Island, United States |
| Died | March 28, 1869 (aged 69) New York City, United States |
| Buried |
Cold Springs Cemetery, Lockport, New York, United States
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| Allegiance |  United States (Union) |
| Branch |  United States Army (Union Army) |
| Years of service | 1825–1869 |
| Rank |  Colonel Bvt. Brigadier General |
| Unit | 1st Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | Black Hawk War American Civil War |
| Alma mater | Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons |
| Spouse(s) |
Ann Mackall Taylor
(m. 1829–1869) |
Robert Crooke Wood was an important American military doctor. He was a physician and also a neurologist, which is a doctor who studies the brain and nerves. He served as an Assistant Surgeon General during the American Civil War. He also helped soldiers in the Second Seminole War and the Mexican–American War. Interestingly, his son, John Taylor Wood, later became a captain in the Confederate States Navy.
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Robert Wood's Early Life
Robert Wood was born on September 23, 1799. His parents were John and Rebecca Wickham Wood. As a child, Robert went to private schools. He also had private tutors who taught him at home.
Robert became very interested in medicine. He traveled to South Carolina to study with a doctor named Dr. Waring. After that, he attended the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. He graduated in 1821 and earned his M.D. degree.
Joining the Army
After finishing medical school, Robert Wood moved to Utica, New York. He worked there as a doctor for a few years. On May 28, 1825, he decided to join the United States Army. He became an assistant surgeon.
His first assignment was at the Detroit Barracks. Later, he moved to Fort Snelling. He stayed there until May 1833, working with the 1st Infantry Regiment. In 1829, he married Ann Mackall Taylor. She was the oldest daughter of Zachary Taylor, who later became a U.S. President. Their son, John Taylor Wood, was born on August 13, 1830.
Military Career and Key Battles
Robert Wood's military career involved several important conflicts. He served as a doctor during these wars, helping wounded and sick soldiers.
Black Hawk War
Wood took part in the Black Hawk War. He was actively involved in the Battle of Bad Axe. This battle was a major event that helped end the war. After this, he moved to Fort Crawford. On July 4, 1836, he was promoted to Major and Surgeon.
Second Seminole War
Next, Wood was sent to Florida. This was because the Second Seminole War had started. He was stationed at Fort Brooks. He participated in the Battle of Lake Okeechobee. He continued to work with soldiers fighting the Seminole natives until May 1839. At that time, a truce, or peace agreement, was signed.
When the truce ended, Wood was transferred again. He went to the Buffalo Barracks. He served there with the 5th Infantry Regiment until August 1845.
Mexican-American War
In 1845, Wood was sent near the border with Mexico. He arrived in Corpus Christi, Texas in October. After spending the winter there, he moved to a camp overlooking Matamoros, Tamaulipas. Wood then took part in the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma.
Establishing Hospitals
During the Mexican–American War, many soldiers were hurt or became ill. A large hospital was urgently needed. Wood helped set up a general hospital near Point Isabel. He was put in charge of this hospital. It grew to care for hundreds of patients.
After the Siege of Veracruz, the hospital became too crowded. A temporary hospital was built in Greenwood, Mississippi. A new, larger hospital was also being built in New Orleans. In May 1848, Wood was transferred to Fort McHenry. He worked there for the next six years.
Assistant Surgeon General
Robert Wood's brother-in-law, Jefferson Davis, became the United States Secretary of War. Because of this connection, Wood was assigned to be the Acting Surgeon General. He worked under Surgeon General Thomas Lawson.
When Lawson died in 1861, the position of Surgeon General became open. Wood was a strong choice because of his vast medical experience. However, with the Republican Party gaining power, President Abraham Lincoln chose Clement Finley instead. Finley kept Wood as his assistant as the American Civil War began.
Civil War Service
On April 14, 1862, Finley retired. He was unhappy with Edwin Stanton and the Sanitary Commission. Once again, Wood was considered for Surgeon General. The Sanitary Commission suggested Richard Sherwood Satterlee. But in the end, William A. Hammond was appointed.
Wood asked to be Hammond's assistant. Hammond first said no, but then agreed on April 25, 1862. Wood was sent to St. Louis. There, he was in charge of all medical matters in the Department of the West. In October 1863, Wood moved to Louisville, Kentucky. He stayed there for the rest of the war.
On March 13, 1865, Wood was honored for his service. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel, colonel, and brigadier general. These were "brevet" promotions, meaning they were honorary for his "gallant and meritorious service during the war."
Retirement and Death
After the war ended, Wood was stationed at Fort Adams. In September 1867, he was ordered to New York City for board duty. He was then placed on the list of retired officers. He officially retired in February 1869. Just one month later, he sadly passed away from pneumonia.
