Odus Creamer Horney

Odus Creamer Horney (September 18, 1866 – February 16, 1957) was an officer of the U.S. Army from 1891 to 1930. Horney transferred from infantry to ordnance in 1894. He co-designed the M1903 Springfield rifle and invented the smokeless powder plant factory. During World War I, Horney returned to serve as lieutenant colonel, colonel and brigadier general. In 1919, Horney was reappointed as lieutenant colonel and later served as ordnance officer of the Philippine Department.

Early life Odus Creamer Horney was born to James W. Horney and Josephine Creamer Horney in Lexington, Illinois on September 18, 1866. Horney graduated from the United States Military Academy as number six of sixty-five in the Class of 1891. His father was a volunteer of the Ohio Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War, in which he died of illness. Horney attended primary and secondary school at Mechanicsburg, Ohio and taught in order to support his family. In 1887, he entered the Military Academy by alternative appointment from Ohio.

Military career Horney was first stationed in infantry until 1894. He then transferred to ordnance, where he remained until 1930. In 1898, Horney co-designed the M1903 Springfield while stationed at the Springfield Armory. Horney was later appointed ordnance officer of the Philippine Department from 1927 to 1929.

Later life

On September 30, 1930, at the age of 64, Horney retired as brigadier general Horney is buried at San Francisco National Cemetery.

Relations

Odus Creamer Horney married Kezia Bryan on July 29, 1891. They had four children together: Ruth, Grace, Esther, and Odus C. Horney Jr.