Thomas Jesup
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Thomas Sidney Jesup (December 16, 1788 – June 10, 1860) was an American military officer known as the "Father of the Modern Quartermaster Corps". He was born in Berkeley County, West Virginia. He began his military career in 1808, and served in the War of 1812, seeing action in the battles of Chippewa and Niagara in 1814. He was appointed temporary Adjutant General and Quartermaster General on May 8, 1818 by President James Monroe. In 1836, while still officially quartermaster general, President Jackson detached Jesup to assume command of all U.S. troops in Florida during the Second Seminole War. At the conclusion of the hostilities he returned to his official post as quartermaster general.
During the Mexican-American War Jesup left his headquarters in Washington, D.C. to personally oversee the supplying of troops in Mexico. He served as quartermaster general for 42 years, holding the record for the longest continual service in the same position in U.S. military history. He died in office in Washington D.C. at age 72.
