William Crooks (colonel)
William Crooks | |
|---|---|
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 20, 1832 New York City, US |
| Died | December 17, 1907 (aged 75) Portland, Oregon, US |
| Resting place | Oakland Cemetery, Saint Paul, MN |
| Spouse(s) | Arabella Crooks, Harriet Marie Crooks |
| Relations | Ramsay Crooks (father) |
| Children | 4 |
| Residence | Saint Paul, Minnesota |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States • Union |
| Branch/service | Union Army |
| Years of service | 1862–1864 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Battles/wars |
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| Member of the Minnesota Senate | |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 's 23rd district district | |
| In office 1881–1883 | |
| Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives | |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 's 23rd district district | |
| In office 1875–1878 | |
William Crooks (June 20, 1832 – December 17, 1907) was a Colonel during the American Civil War, member of the Minnesota House of Representatives, U.S. Military Academy graduate, and a veteran railroader. He led the 6th Regiment Minnesota Volunteer Infantry from August 1862 to October 1864, mainly contending against the Sioux. Crooks built the first rail line in the State of Minnesota, the St. Paul & Pacific. His first locomotive he named for himself the William Crooks 4-4-0 and began its operation in 1861. His operation was taken over by James J. Hill. The William Crooks would become the first locomotive of Hill's Great Northern Railroad.