United States Army Officer, Literary Figure. Washington Irving used his name for the protagonist in the legendary short story, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." He served 48 years as an officer in the United States military, the first two in the United States Marine Corps, the rest in the Army. He commanded troops and saw combat during the War of 1812, the 1832 Black Hawk War, and the Seminole Wars during the 1830s. His last assignment was as post commander of Governor's Island, New York City, New York. He had met Washington Irving during the War of 1812 when Irving, serving as an Aide-de-Camp to New York Governor Daniel D. Tompkins, encountered him while on an inspection tour of Army fortifications at Sackett's Harbor, New York. Later, when Irving needed a name for country schoolteacher in "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," he remembered the soldier he had met and used his name.
United States Army Officer, Literary Figure. Washington Irving used his name for the protagonist in the legendary short story, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." He served 48 years as an officer in the United States military, the first two in the United States Marine Corps, the rest in the Army. He commanded troops and saw combat during the War of 1812, the 1832 Black Hawk War, and the Seminole Wars during the 1830s. His last assignment was as post commander of Governor's Island, New York City, New York. He had met Washington Irving during the War of 1812 when Irving, serving as an Aide-de-Camp to New York Governor Daniel D. Tompkins, encountered him while on an inspection tour of Army fortifications at Sackett's Harbor, New York. Later, when Irving needed a name for country schoolteacher in "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," he remembered the soldier he had met and used his name.
Bio by: Rich H.
Inscription
"Col. of the U.S. Army, who was born in Elizabeth Town, N.J., and died on Staten Island. He served his country faithfully 48 years and was much beloved and respected by all who knew him."
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