John McAllister Schofield

John McAllister Schofield was a renowned American soldier and United States Secretary of War who played a crucial role in the American Civil War. He was a close friend and colleague of Ulysses S. Grant, William Tecumseh Sherman, and George B. McClellan. Schofield's military career spanned over three decades, during which he fought in several battles, including the Battle of Wilson's Creek and the Battle of Atlanta. He was also a prominent figure in the Reconstruction Era, serving as the Military Governor of Virginia and the Commanding General of the United States Army.

● Early Life and Education

John McAllister Schofield was born on September 29, 1831, in Gerry, New York, to John Schofield and Caroline McAllister Schofield. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, in 1853, where he was a classmate of Philip Sheridan and James McNeill Whistler. Schofield's early education also included attendance at the Free Academy of the City of New York, now known as the City College of New York. After graduating from West Point, Schofield was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army Corps of Engineers and served under the command of Joseph Gilbert Totten and Robert E. Lee.

● Military Career

Schofield's military career began in 1853, when he was assigned to the United States Army Corps of Engineers and worked on various projects, including the construction of Fort Delaware and the Delaware River defenses. In 1855, he was promoted to First Lieutenant and served as an instructor at West Point, where he taught Henry Halleck and George McClellan. Schofield also served as a member of the United States Army Board of Engineers and worked on the development of the United States Military Telegraph system. In 1860, he was promoted to Captain and served as the Assistant Quartermaster of the United States Army.

● American Civil War

During the American Civil War, Schofield played a crucial role in the Western Theater, serving under the command of Ulysses S. Grant and William Tecumseh Sherman. He fought in several battles, including the Battle of Wilson's Creek, the Battle of Pea Ridge, and the Battle of Atlanta. In 1862, Schofield was promoted to Brigadier General and served as the commander of the Army of the Frontier. He also served as the Military Governor of Missouri and worked closely with Hamilton Rowan Gamble and Willard Preble Hall. In 1864, Schofield was promoted to Major General and served as the commander of the Army of the Ohio.

● Post-War Career

After the war, Schofield served as the United States Secretary of War under Andrew Johnson and played a crucial role in the Reconstruction Era. He was a strong supporter of the Reconstruction Acts and worked closely with Thaddeus Stevens and Charles Sumner. In 1869, Schofield was appointed as the Commanding General of the United States Army and served in that position until 1883. He also served as the Superintendent of the United States Military Academy and worked to modernize the academy's curriculum and facilities. Schofield was a member of the United States Army Board of Ordnance and worked on the development of new military technologies, including the Gatling gun and the Maxim gun.

● Legacy

John McAllister Schofield's legacy is that of a skilled and dedicated soldier who played a crucial role in the American Civil War and the Reconstruction Era. He was a close friend and colleague of many prominent figures, including Ulysses S. Grant, William Tecumseh Sherman, and George B. McClellan. Schofield's military career spanned over three decades, and he fought in several battles, including the Battle of Wilson's Creek and the Battle of Atlanta. He is remembered as a strong supporter of the Reconstruction Acts and a champion of modernizing the United States Military Academy. Schofield died on March 4, 1906, in St. Augustine, Florida, and is buried in the Arlington National Cemetery. His legacy continues to be celebrated by the United States Army and the Society of the Army of the Cumberland, which he helped to found. Category:United States Secretaries of War