John McAllister Schofield – Lieutenant General, United States Army

Born in Gerry, New York, September 29, 1831 and at the age of 12 was taken by his father, a Baptist minister, to Freeport, Illinois. He graduated from West Point in 1853, ranking seventh in his class.

He served throughout the Civil War in command positions, receiving the Medal of Honor for heroism in battle.

He remained in the Army following the war and was the military officer who recommended that Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, be established as a military base by the United States.

From 1876 to 1881 he was Superintendent at West Point. After serving in various departments throughout the country he succeeded to command of the entire Army on the death of Lieutenant General Philip S. Sheridan.

He was retired for age on his 64th birthday and died in Saint Augustine, Florida, on March 4, 1906. He was buried in Section 2 of Arlington National Cemetery.

His brother, Charles Brewster Schofield, Captain, United States Army, once served as his Aide-de-Camp, and is also buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

His son-in-law, Avery Delano Andrews, Brigadier General, United States Army, and his wife Mary Campbell Schofield Andrews are also buried in Arlington National Cemetery.


SCHOFIELD, JOHN M.

Rank and organization: Major, 1st Missouri Infantry. Place and date: At Wilsons Creek, Missouri, 10 August 1861. Entered service at: St. Louis, Missouri. Born: 29 September 1831, Gerry, New York. Date of issue: 2 July 1892.

Citation:

Was conspicuously gallant in leading a regiment in a successful charge against the enemy.


GENERAL SCHOFIELD’S ORDERS
His Son Becomes Aide-de-Camp
His Son-in-Law Goes Abroad

WASHINGTON, October 12, 1892 – It pays to be a relative of the Major General Commanding the United States Army. If you are a relative and are in the Army, you can be favored, and if you are enough of a relative and not in the Army you can be placed there. A general order which General Schofield issued today reads as follows:

“The resignation by Second Lieuenant Avery D. Andrews, Fifth Artillery, of his appointment as Aide-de-Camp on the Staff of the Major General Commanding the Army is hereby accepted, to take effect November 1, 1892, after which dated he will proceed to join his battery.  The travel enjoined is necessary for the public serice.

“Second Lieutenant Richmond MaA. Schofield, Fourth Cavalry, is hereby appointed Aide-de-Camp on the Staff of the Major General Commanding the Army, totankas such from November 1, 1892.”

Lieutenant Andrews is the son-in-law and Lieuenant Schofield if the son of General Schofield.  Lieutenant Andrews has rarely appeared in Washington, spending most of his time in New York, where he has a law office.

Lieutenant Andrews’ luck is not confined to the simple relief from “duty” in Washington on November 1.  He will not join his troop at that time, for in special orders sent out today is one which reads:

“With the approval of the Secretary of War leave of absence for one year is granted Lieutenant A. D. Andrews, Fifth Artillery.”

So he will be absent from his regiment for twelve months after the expiration of his term as social aide to General Schofield.

Lieutnenat Schofield, the General’s son, entered the Army after failing physically to get into the Military Academy.  He was appointed at his father’s solicitation, and now comes to Washington from Vancouver.  He will get $2,000 more a yearby being selected by this father as aide to the General.

The orders today surprise no one who isfamiliar with General Schofield’s partiality for his relatives and friends.  His action in detaching the officers of an Indian fighting troop to make room for his friends, that they might come to Fort Myer, near this city, was an instance of his willingness to demoralize the service so long as his friends are bneing benifited.  Not long ago, Colonel Bartlett of the Ninth Infantry was detailed to duty at Madison Barrraks, New York. Colonel Bartlett is General Schofield’s brother-in-law.

SCHOFIELD, JOHN M
LT GEN USA

  • VETERAN SERVICE DATES: Unknown
  • DATE OF DEATH: 03/04/1906
  • DATE OF INTERMENT: Unknown
  • BURIED AT: SECTION EAST  SITE 1108
    ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

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schofldPortrait courtesy of the U.S. Army Center For Military History

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SCHOFIELD, JOHN M
LT GEN USA

  • DATE OF DEATH: 03/04/1906
  • BURIED AT: SECTION EAST  SITE 1108
    ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

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