Winfield Scott Hancock

Date of Birth: February 14, 1824

Place of Birth: Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania, U.S.

Date of Death: February 9, 1886

Place of Death: New York City, New York, U.S.

Ethnicity: English, some Scottish, Welsh, and German

Winfield Scott Hancock was a U.S. Army officer and general, and politician. He was a war hero, who served in the Army for four decades, including in the Mexican–American War and the American Civil War. He was nicknamed “Hancock the Superb.”

He was the Democratic Party’s nominee for President of the United States in 1880. He was also a candidate for the Democratic Party’s 1868 and 1876 presidential nominations.

Winfield was the son of Elizabeth (Hoxworth) and Benjamin Franklin Hancock. He was married to Almira Russell, until his death, with whom he had two children. Winfield was named after Winfield Scott, a prominent general, and himself a presidential nominee, for the Whigs.

Winfield’s paternal grandfather was Richard Hancock (the son of Samuel Hancock and Mildred Dawson). Samuel was the son of Samuel Hancock and Elizabeth Jameson. Mildred was the daughter of Martin Ellis Dawson, who was born in Scotland, and of Priscilla/Patricia Sorrell.

Winfield’s paternal grandmother was named Anne/Anna Maria Nash.

Winfield’s maternal grandfather was Edward John Hoxworth (the son of John Hawkesworth/Hoxworth and Elisabeth/Elizabeth Jenkins). Edward was born in Pennsylvania. John was the son of English parents, Peter Hoxworth/Hawksworth/Hawkesworth and Mary Burk. Elizabeth was the daughter of Welsh parents, Jenkin Jenkins and Mary.

Winfield’s maternal grandmother was Mary Hanley Hoxworth/Hawkesworth (the daughter of Peter Hawkesworth/Hoxworth and Ann Wentz). Mary was born in Pennsylvania. Peter was the son of English parents, Peter Hoxworth/Hawksworth/Hawkesworth and Mary Burk. Ann was the daughter of Peter Wentz, who was of German origin, and of Mary Jenkins.

His maternal grandparents were cousins.

Winfield was incorrectly suggested in the press as being the father of Hugh Berry Hancock, a mixed-race man, during the 1880 Presidential election. Hugh was the great-great-grandfather of actress and comedian Aisha Tyler.

Sources: Genealogies of Winfield Scott Hancock – https://www.geni.com
https://www.findagrave.com
http://www.gwyneddmeeting.org

Genealogy of Winfield Scott Hancock (focusing on his father’s side) – https://www.wikitree.com