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COMMANDER // 1800–1889

William Harney

brigadier generalUnited StatesUnited States1 battle1 war

Lifespan

18001889

1800182518501875Sioux Wars · 1854-1891Battle of Ash Hollow — September 3, 1855 · United States · Sioux Wars

Active service 18551 battle across 1 war; first command at age 55.

Profile

William Selby Harney, otherwise known among the Lakota as "Woman Killer" and "Mad Bear," was an American cavalry officer in the US Army, who became known during the Indian Wars and the Mexican–American War for his brutality and ruthlessness. During his service, Harney personally beat an enslaved mother to death, massacred Native American women and children, and killed dogs.

Source · Wikipedia · Q3568925

Battles (1)

Last verified June 2026
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