Background
Cooke, Philip Saint George was born on June 13, 1809 in Leesburg, Virginia, United States. Son of Doctor Stephen and Catherine (Esten) Cooke.
Cooke, Philip Saint George was born on June 13, 1809 in Leesburg, Virginia, United States. Son of Doctor Stephen and Catherine (Esten) Cooke.
Graduated from the United States Military Academy, 1827.
Served as adjunct, First lieutenant, captain United States Army in Blackhawk War. 1831; served as First lieutenant in Texas, Arkansas, New Mexico, 1833. Commissioned captain, 1835.
Accompanied Colonel Kearney through Saint Pass, Rocky Mountains, thence to Fort Leavenworth via the headwaters of Arkansas River, 1845.
Commissioned lieutenant colonel, 1846, ordered to make exploring expedition to California, making a practical wagon road en route, 1846. Reached San Diego Mission, 1847, here acquired for government 250,000 square miles of territory.
Commanded battalion Missouri Volunteers in California during Mexican War, 1846-1848. Major 2d Dragoons, 1847.
Superintendent cavalry barracks, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, 1848-1852.
Commissioned colonel, 1858. Brigadier general United States 1861. In command cavalry Army of Potomac at Siege of Yorktown, also battles of Gaines Mill, Frayser’s Farm, Williamsburg, Glendale.
General superintendent recruiting for United States Army.
Retired, 1873.
Served as adjunct, First lieutenant, captain United States Army in Blackhawk War.
Married Rachel Hertzog. Children: John Rogers, Flora.