William P. Wood (March 11, 1820 – March 20, 1903) was a soldier in the United States Army during the Mexican–American War. He was the first chief of the United States Secret Service.
Early life
William P. Wood was born on March 11, 1820, in Alexandria, Virginia. His father was an engraver and die sinker. At a young age, his family moved to Washington, D.C..
Career
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In early 1847, Wood enlisted in Cumberland, Maryland, with the 3rd Regular Cavalry in the Mexican–American War, under General Samuel Hamilton Walker. Following the arrest of Walker, the company disbanded and Wood was transferred to Company C. He left service on August 1, 1848, at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri. He then returned to Cumberland. He was a Whig. Although raised in the Catholic Church, he became an atheist and an active leader of the Know-Nothing Party.