Henry M. Black

Henry Moorehouse (or Moore) Black (January 15, 1827 – August 5, 1893) was a United States Army officer who served as Commandant of Cadets at the United States Military Academy.

Early career Born in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, in 1827,

From 1848 to 1855, Black served with the 7th Infantry at Jefferson Barracks, in Florida, and at Fort Gibson. He was promoted to first lieutenant in the 9th U.S. Infantry on March 3, 1855, and served with them at Fort Monroe and on recruiting duty. He was then promoted to captain in the 9th Infantry on September 10, 1856. From 1857 to 1861, he served with that regiment at Fort Simcoe and Fort Dalles, engaging in scouts against the Yakima and other Indians. He was promoted to Colonel in the Sixth California Infantry on February 1, 1863. In February 1864, he was sent to Fort Humboldt with three companies of reinforcements ("C," "E" and "G"), to take command of the Humboldt Military District.

In June 1864 he was sent to West Point to be Commandant of Cadets of the United States Military Academy and an instructor of tactics. He was mustered out of the Sixth California Infantry October 27, 1865; was promoted to Major in the 7th U.S. Infantry on July 25, 1866; and promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel in the Fourth U.S. Infantry, on October 7, 1868.

Later career Following his assignment at West Point Black was assigned to 15th U.S. Infantry, on July 1, 1870. From then until 1891, he was on duty with his regiment at posts in the South and West. He conducted courts martial, and commanded troops in Maryland and West Virginia during the railroad troubles in 1877. He was made colonel in the 23rd U.S. Infantry, on February 6, 1882. He was interred at the West Point Cemetery on August 8, 1893.