Louis Chapin Covell

Louis Chapin Covell (22 June 1875 – 26 February 1952) was a United States army officer and salesman. He served in the Spanish–American War and World War I, and later worked in automotive companies, including General Motors.

Early life
Covell was born on 22 June 1875 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Elliot Franklin Covell and Laura (Chapin) Covell. After graduating Grand Rapids High School in 1893, he worked at Macy and Company as an advertising and sales manager. Covell married Florence Davidson on 12 June 1906. In 1915 he was the organizer and president of Covell-Hensen Company, an advertising and printing company.

Military career
While attending high school Covell enlisted in the Michigan National Guard on 6 April 1892. On 26 June 1895 he was commissioned second lieutenant. Covell served as a captain in the Spanish–American War, later advancing to major in 1900 and lieutenant colonel in 1911. Covell became brigadier general of the National Guard on 7 February 1917 and of the National Army on Aug 5 1917. He served during WWI in the American Expeditionary Force, commanding the 63rd Infantry Brigade. Covell received the French Croix de Guerre for his service and was discharged 17 February 1919.

Later life and career
After returning to civilian life, Covell was manager at Reynolds Chrysler Company in Flint, Michigan and later sales executive at General Motors in Detroit, eventually retiring and living in Maryland, New York and Virginia. Covell died on 26 February 1952 in Vermont.

He was a member of the American Legion, Sons of the American Revolution and the Military Order of Foreign Wars. Covell was also a Congregationalist, Freemason and Republican.