Edwin McCook

Background

One of a famous family of Civil War officers, the "Fighting McCooks," he was born in Carrollton, Ohio, a son of Daniel McCook.

Education

He was educated at the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, and was a member of the Naval Lodge #69 of the Freemasons in New York City.

Career

A Union Army general during the American Civil War and a postbellum politician in the Dakota Territory, he was assassinated in office while serving as acting governor on September 11, 1873. He saw action in the battles of Fort Henry and Fort Donelson, where he was severely wounded. He was later assigned to command Logan"s brigade when the latter assumed division command.

By the Vicksburg Campaign, McCook had again been promoted to replace Logan as division commander, leading it during the Siege of Vicksburg under Ulysses South. Grant.

In 1864, he served with distinction in the Chattanooga and Atlanta campaigns and in the March to the Sea under William T. Sherman. He was brevetted both brigadier and major general for his services in these campaigns to rank from March 13, 1865.

He was severely wounded three separate times, but survived the war. After the war, he moved out west and was named as Secretary of the Dakota Territory in 1872.

McCook was appointed acting governor of Dakota Territory in spring 1873 to replace the corrupt John A. Burbank.

On September 11, 1873, he was shot and killed by Peter P. Wintermute, a banker and political adversary, at a public meeting being held in a saloon in Yankton, Dakota Territory. Wintermute was upset with McCook"s stance in the Dakota Southern Railroad dispute. His grave can be located in Section 10, Lot 1.

Achievements

• McCook County, South Dakota, is named for him.

Membership

McCook was buried in Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati, Ohio, along with several other members of the famed family.

Connections

Friend:

John A. Logan