Fred C. Ainsworth

Fred C. Ainsworth

Fred C. Ainsworth
Born September 11, 1852(1852-09-11)
Woodstock, Vermont
Died June 5, 1934(1934-06-05) (aged 81)
Washington, D.C.
Place of burial Arlington National Cemetery
Allegiance United States of America
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.

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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