Robert Latimer McCook facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Latimer McCook
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Robert Latimer McCook
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| Born | December 28, 1827 New Lisbon, Ohio |
| Died | August 6, 1862 (aged 34) Huntsville, Alabama |
| Place of burial |
Spring Grove Cemetery, Cincinnati, Ohio
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861 - 1862 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Commands held | 9th Ohio Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Robert Latimer McCook (born December 28, 1827 – died August 6, 1862) was an important general who fought for the Union Army during the American Civil War. He was sadly killed by Confederate soldiers in Alabama.
Contents
Robert Latimer McCook: A Civil War Hero
Early Life and Career
Robert Latimer McCook was born in New Lisbon, Ohio. His family was known as the "Fighting McCooks" because many of them became soldiers. He studied law in Steubenville and became a lawyer by the time he was 21.
Later, he moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. There, he became a very successful lawyer. He also got involved in local politics with the Democratic Party. As the country moved closer to war, he disagreed with the president's ideas.
Joining the Civil War
When the Civil War began, McCook quickly helped create a new army group. This group was called the 9th Ohio Infantry. It was mostly made up of recent immigrants from Germany. McCook became their first colonel in early 1861.
After training his soldiers, they went to fight in June. McCook led a large group of soldiers called a brigade in the West Virginia campaign. They fought in battles like Rich Mountain and Carnifex Ferry.
A Brave Leader
In late 1861, McCook's brigade joined the Army of the Ohio. They played a big part in the Battle of Mill Springs in Kentucky in January 1862. During this battle, McCook was badly hurt. He was leading a brave bayonet charge, where soldiers attack with knives on their rifles.
His soldiers pushed forward and won the battle, making the enemy run away.
His Final Battle
McCook was promoted to a brigadier general on March 21, 1862. This happened while he was still recovering from his injury. He returned to his command before his wound was fully healed. Because of this, he found it hard to ride horses for long distances.
He was shot during a fight with the 4th Alabama Cavalry near Huntsville, Alabama. Some reports say he was shot by Confederate guerrilla fighters while he was helpless in an ambulance. Other reports disagree with this. He was in great pain from a serious wound in his stomach. He was taken to a nearby house and died within 24 hours.
McCook was buried in Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati, Ohio. There is a statue of him near Washington Park in Cincinnati.
