William P. Wood

William P. Wood
Sketch of Wood in 1911 publication
1st Chief of the United States Secret Service
In office
July 5, 1865  1869
PresidentAndrew Johnson
Preceded byOffice established
Succeeded byHiram C. Whitley
Personal details
Born(1820-03-11)March 11, 1820
Alexandria, Virginia, U.S.
DiedMarch 20, 1903(1903-03-20) (aged 83)
Washington, D.C., U.S.
Resting placeCongressional Cemetery
Washington, D.C., U.S.
Political partyWhig
Know-Nothing Party
Spouse
Harriet Elizabeth Smith
(m. 1849; died 1899)
Children6
Occupation
  • Soldier
  • lawyer
  • investigator
Military service
Branch/serviceUnited States Army
Years of service1847–1848
Unit3rd Regular Cavalry
Battles/wars

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.