Robert Crooke Wood

Robert Crooke Wood, M.D. (September 23, 1799 – March 28, 1869), was an American military physician and neurologist who served as the Assistant Surgeon General during the American Civil War. His military career also included participation in the Second Seminole War and the Mexican–American War.

Born on September 23, 1799, Wood was the son of John Wood and Rebecca Wickham Wood. His childhood involved attendance at private schools and tuition from private tutors. He developed an interest in medicine and began studying under Dr. Waring in South Carolina. He later enrolled at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, graduating with an M.D. in 1821.

Following his graduation, Wood moved to Utica, New York, where he practiced medicine until May 28, 1825. On that date, he enlisted as an assistant surgeon in the United States Army. His first assignment was at the Detroit Barracks, after which he was transferred to Fort Snelling, where he served until May 1833 with the 1st Infantry Regiment.

In 1829, Wood married Ann Mackall Taylor, the eldest daughter of Zachary Taylor, who would later serve as the 12th President of the United States. They had one child, John Taylor Wood, born on August 13, 1830.

Wood participated in the Black Hawk War, engaging in the Battle of Bad Axe, which concluded the conflict. His military service led to his promotion to Major and Surgeon on July 4, 1836. He was subsequently transferred to Florida during the Second Seminole War, serving at Fort Brooks. He took part in the Battle of Lake Okeechobee and was involved in ongoing skirmishes with Seminole forces until a truce was signed in May 1839. When the truce was broken, Wood was assigned to Buffalo Barracks and served with the 5th Infantry Regiment until August 1845, as tensions with Mexico escalated.

In October 1845, Wood arrived in Corpus Christi, Texas. He spent the winter there before moving to a camp near Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico. During the Mexican–American War, he participated in the Battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma. As casualties increased, a general hospital was established near Point Isabel, which Wood was tasked with supervising. The hospital expanded to hold over a hundred patients. Following the Siege of Veracruz, the hospital's capacity was exceeded; a temporary hospital was set up in Greenwood, Mississippi, while a new facility was being constructed in New Orleans.

In May 1848, Wood was reassigned to Fort McHenry, where he served for six years. Due to his familial connections—his brother-in-law Jefferson Davis becoming U.S. Secretary of War—Wood was appointed to serve as the Acting Surgeon General under Thomas Lawson’s administration. After Lawson's death in 1861, Wood emerged as a candidate for Surgeon General; however, President Abraham Lincoln appointed Clement Finley instead. Wood remained as Finley's assistant.

Following Finley's retirement on April 14, 1862, Wood again sought the position of Surgeon General. Although nominated by the Sanitary Commission, Richard Sherwood Satterlee was ultimately selected for the role. Wood requested to serve as Satterlee’s assistant and was appointed on April 25, 1862. He was then stationed in St. Louis, overseeing medical affairs in the Department of the West. In October 1863, Wood was transferred to Louisville, Kentucky, where he served until the end of the Civil War.

He received brevet ranks of lieutenant colonel, colonel, and brigadier general on March 13, 1865, for "gallant and meritorious service during the war." After the war, Wood was stationed at Fort Adams until September 1867, when he was ordered to New York City for board duty. He was placed on the retired list and officially retired in February 1869. Wood died on March 28, 1869, from pneumonia.

Robert Crooke Wood's career spanned several major American conflicts, and he held notable positions within the military medical service until his death.