The New International Encyclopædia/Wool, John Ellis

WOOL, John Ellis (1788-1869). An American soldier, born at Newburgh, N. Y. He began the study of law, but on the outbreak of the War of 1812 entered the United States Army, and in April, 1812, became captain in the Thirteenth United States Infantry. He was badly wounded in the battle of Queenstown Heights, and as a reward for his gallantry was in April, 1813, promoted major of the Twenty-ninth Infantry. At Plattsburg in September, 1814, he again distinguished himself, and in December was promoted to the rank of lieutenant-colonel. In 1821 he became inspector-general of the army with the rank of colonel. In 1841 he became a brigadier-general. When the Mexican War began he prepared troops for the field and sent thither about 12,000. He led the Army of the Centre into Chihuahua; then joined General Taylor, and at Buena Vista, as second in command, selected the American position. For his services he was brevetted major-general. By his timely measures he secured Fortress Monroe, and as commander of the Department of Virginia, he occupied Norfolk and Portsmouth in May, 1862. In the same month he was made a major-general in the Regular Army, and retired in August of the following year.