| Fred C. Ainsworth | |
|---|---|
 Fred C. Ainsworth | |
| Born | September 11, 1852 |
| Died | June 5, 1934 (aged 81) |
| Place of birth | Woodstock, Vermont |
| Place of death | Washington, D.C. |
| Place of burial | Arlington National Cemetery |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/branch |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1874-1912 |
| Rank |
 Major General |
| Commands held | Adjutant General of the U. S. Army |
Frederick Crayton Ainsworth (September 11, 1852 – June 5, 1934) was a surgeon in the United States Army who eventually rose to the position of Adjutant General. A gifted administrator, Ainsworth revolutionized government record-keeping methods following his initial appointment in 1886 to the Record and Pensions Division of the War Department, making them vastly more efficient. Ainsworth's talents were quickly recognized, and he was given administrative responsibility over more and more government departments, thus accumulating considerable power and eventually becoming the dominant figure in the Department of War.
In the later stages of his career, Ainsworth, once a great innovator, became resistant to further reform proposed by the civilian leadership and was eventually forced from office in 1912 with the threat of court-martial for insubordination. Even after retirement however, he continued to exercise considerable influence through his political connections in Washington.
The Army later honored him by naming one its World War II troopships after him, the USAT Fred C. Ainsworth.
References[edit | edit source]
- Pullen, John J. (1997): A Shower of Stars: The Medal of Honor and the 27th Maine, Stackpole Books, ISBN 0-8117-0075-5, pp. 114–125. Extract.
- Skowronek, Stephen (1982): Building a New American State: The Expansion of National Administrative Capacities 1877–1920, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 0-521-28865-7, pp 221–233. Extract.
Further reading[edit | edit source]
- Deutrich, Mabel E. (1962). Struggle for Supremacy: The Career of General Fred C. Ainsworth. Washington, D.C.: Public Affairs Press.
External links[edit | edit source]
- Fred C. Ainsworth, Arlington National Cemetery profile.
| Military offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Henry C. Corbin |
Adjutant Generals of the U. S. Army April 23, 1904-February 16, 1912 |
Succeeded by William P. Hall |
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