William Winer Cooke | |
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![]() William W. Cooke
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Born |
Brantford Township, Ontario |
May 29, 1846
Died | June 25, 1876 Montana |
(aged 30)
Place of Burial | Hamilton Cemetery Hamilton, Ontario |
Allegiance |
United States of America Union |
Service/branch |
United States Army Union Army |
Years of service | 1863–76 |
Rank |
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Unit | 7th U.S. Cavalry |
Battles/wars |
William Winer Cooke (May 29, 1846 – June 25, 1876) was a military officer in the United States Army during the American Civil War and the Black Hills War. He was the adjutant for George Armstrong Custer and was killed during the Battle of the Little Bighorn.
Cooke was born in Mount Pleasant, Brant County, Ontario, to Alexander and Angeline Cooke. He attended the Brantford Collegiate School and the Central School in Hamilton, Ontario. At the age of 14, he moved to Buffalo, New York, to continue his studies. After graduating from school, he enlisted in 1863 with the 24th New York Cavalry at Niagara Falls, New York, during the Civil War. After serving as a recruiting officer, he served on the front lines in the IX Corps, commanded by Ambrose Burnside. He was wounded during the Siege of Petersburg. After being released from the hospital, he served on commissary duty. He rose to first lieutenant on December 14, 1864, but did not return to front-line duty until March 1865. He was awarded brevet promotions to captain, major, and lieutenant colonel for his meritorious service during the war, the last of his actions occurred at the Battle of Sayler's Creek during the Appomattox Campaign.