John S. Poland

John S. Poland (October 14, 1836 – August 8, 1898) was a career officer in the United States Army. A Union Army veteran of the American Civil War, he also served in the American Indian Wars and the Spanish–American War. Poland attained the rank of brigadier general and was most notable for his command of the 17th Infantry Regiment and 2nd Division, First Army Corps.

Early life John Scroggs Poland was born in Princeton, Indiana on October 14, 1836, the son of Alfred Poland and Nancy (Finney) Poland. He was educated in the schools of Princeton and attended Princeton Seminary. In 1856, Poland began attendance at the United States Military Academy. He graduated in May 1861 ranked 34th of 45, and received his commission as a second lieutenant of Infantry.

Family In 1864, Poland married Ann Brown Babcock. They were the parents of two children. Son William Babcock Poland (1868–1950) served as a first lieutenant in the Army during the Spanish–American War, became an engineer, and was associated with Herbert Hoover in directing the relief commission that provided emergency food aid to France and Belgium after World War I. Daughter Gertrude was the wife of Army major general Edwin St. John Greble.