Edward J. Westcott

Edward J. Westcott (14 October 1873 – 9 February 1926) was an American attorney and military officer. In addition to practicing law in Albany, New York, he served in the United States Army during the Spanish–American War. Westcott was a member of the New York National Guard from 1901 until his death. In 1923, Westcott was promoted to brigadier general and assigned as Adjutant General of New York. He continued to hold this post until his death.

Early life Edward John Westcott was born in Carthage, New York on 14 October 1873, the son of Asahel (Asa) B. Westcott and Martha E. Westcott. He was raised and educated in Carthage, and graduated from Carthage Senior High School. He graduated from Albany Law School in 1897, which was followed by studying law with attorney Willard Barnes Van Allen. After attaining admission to the bar, he practiced in Watertown, New York.

Early career In July 1898, Westcott began a military career when he enlisted in the United States Army for the Spanish–American War. Assigned as a private in the 203rd New York Infantry, a unit of United States Volunteers raised for the war, he served in Syracuse, New York and Greenville, South Carolina. In February 1901, he joined the New York National Guard's 10th Separate Infantry Battalion as a private in Company A. He died in Albany on 9 February. He was succeeded as adjutant general by Franklin W. Ward.

Effective dates of promotion Westcott's effective dates of promotion were:

Private (Army), 14 July 1898 Private (National Guard), 28 February 1901 Corporal (National Guard), 23 November 1907 Sergeant (National Guard), 8 June 1909 Second Lieutenant (National Guard), 23 May 1912 Major (National Guard), 31 July 1916 Lieutenant Colonel (National Guard), 28 June 1918 Colonel (National Guard), 19 March 1919 Brigadier General (National Guard), 28 November 1923