Joseph Hooker
Born in Hadley, Massachusetts on November 12, 1814, he went to West Point and graduated in 1837. After graduation he went into the service, and served outstandingly in the Mexican War with three brevets for gallantry. After resigning in 1853, he went to California for farming
"Fighting Joe" was named as a general in 1861, just after the outbreak of the war. He was known for his admirable fighting in the Peninsular Campaign, both bull runs, and Fredericksburg, where he was wounded. Despite his admirable fighting and leadership qualities, he was tenacious and insubordinate. He commanded the Army of the Potomac at the Battle of Chansellorsville in May 1863, but he lost the engagement and was replaced before Gettysburg. In November 1863, however, he won the Battle of Lookout Mountain at Chattanooga. He later served under William Sherman in Georgia, but he resigned his command when he was denied advancement.
Bibliography: Hebert, Walter, Fighting Joe Hooker (1944).