Museum Collections

Militaria

Presentation Sword from Citizens of Troy to General John Ellis Wool, c.1848

This sword was given in gratitude to General Wool from the citizens of Troy. General Wool received three presentation swords during his career. One from the Federal Government, one from the State of New York and this example from Troy. They were presented to honor the General's role in the Battle of Buena Vista during the War with Mexico. It is an example of one of the finest American made swords.

John Ellis Wool Coatee, c. 1813
Wool, linen, silver buttons
Buttons marked "U.S.I. 13 Regt/ E Pluribus Unum"

This rare uniform from the War of 1812 was worn by John Ellis Wool while he was a Captain in the 13th Regiment of the United States Infantry. Its small size is due to the fact that Wool was only five feet two inches tall. Wool's distinguished career took him to Europe, Mexico, Florida and California and continued to the Civil War. He retired in 1863, having achieved the rank of Major General. His home in Troy, 75 First Street, still stands and is part of Russell Sage College. He is buried in Oakwood Cemetery with his wife, Sarah Moulton Wool, at a site overlooking the Hudson River beneath an eighty foot tall granite obelisk which is a landmark throughout the river valley.

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