William Belknap
1825–1890
Source: Library of Congress
Biography
William Worth Belknap was a Union general during the American Civil War who later became Secretary of War under President Andrew Johnson and President Ulysses S. Grant. He served with distinction in several Civil War campaigns and was promoted to major general for his battlefield performance. His post-war political career was marked by significant influence over military policy, though his tenure as Secretary of War was later overshadowed by scandal and resignation.