When was William W. Averell born and where did he grow up?
William W. Averell was born on the 5th of November 1832 in Cameron, New York. He worked as a drugstore clerk in the nearby town of Bath during his youth.
Questions about William W. Averell
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What military education did William W. Averell receive before the Civil War?
William W. Averell graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1855. He received a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Mounted Rifles shortly after graduation.
Why was William W. Averell relieved of command by Major General Joseph Hooker?
Major General Joseph Hooker relieved William W. Averell of his command on the 2nd of May 1863 due to slow performance during a cavalry raid. A report stated that Averell seemed content with marching through Culpeper to Rapidan without meeting an enemy.
How many times was William W. Averell appointed brigadier general and when were these appointments confirmed?
President Abraham Lincoln nominated William W. Averell for appointment as a brigadier general three times before the Senate confirmed it on the 11th of March 1863. The Senate also confirmed his brevet promotions to major general on the 23rd of July 1866.
What inventions is William W. Averell best known for creating after the war?
William W. Averell developed improved techniques for laying asphalt pavement which he patented in 1878 as Improvement in Asphaltic Pavement. He also created methods for manufacturing steel castings and insulated electrical cable while working as an entrepreneur.