Joseph P. O'Neil
Joseph Patrick O'Neil was a United States Army officer in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He served in several conflicts, including World War I.Biography
Joseph O'Neil was born on December 27, 1863, in Brooklyn. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1883.
He joined the army and was assigned to the 14th Infantry Regiment in 1884. He was stationed at the Vancouver Barracks. From there, he explored the region around Mount Olympus in 1885. He graduated from the Infantry Cavalry School at Fort Leavenworth 1887. As a member of the Oregon Alpine Club, he advocated for the exploration of Mount Olympus, which was finally permitted by General John Gibbon. In summer 1890 O'Neil led the expedition and reached the summit of the southern peak on September 22, 1890.
O'Neil was transferred to Fort Custer in 1892. As a member of the 25th Infantry Regiment he participated in the Spanish–American War and was stationed in Cuba. Later assignments led him to the Philippines and Alaska.
During General Pershing's Pancho Villa Expedition O'Neil was stationed at the Mexican border. In 1916, he commanded the 21st Infantry Regiment, including its role during the Panama–California Exposition.
With the United States' involvement in World War I in August 1917 Joseph O'Neil was promoted to brigadier general of the National Army. He commanded the 79th Infantry Brigade in World War I. After the war, he retained his original rank of colonel and retired in 1926. His rank of brigadier general of the US Army was restored in 1930.Personal life
O'Neil married Nina Troup on January 15, 1891. After his retirement he lived in Portland and died on July 27, 1938.
