William Henry Cogswell

William Henry Cogswell (December 3, 1798November 22, 1876) was an American physician. Early life Cogswell was the eldest child of Col. William and Mercy Cogswell. He was born on December 3, 1798, in Preston, Connecticut. He was employed on his father's farm until he entered on the study of medicine at Yale Medical School, where he graduated in 1823. Career Immediately upon receiving his degree he settled in Plainfield, Connecticut, at first in partnership with Dr. Josiah Fuller. After two or three years he established a separate office and continued to practice his profession there until his death. In 1830 he represented Plainfield in the Connecticut Legislature, and in 1860 was a member of the Connecticut State Senate. For nearly three years during the American Civil War, he was a special agent, appointed by the Governor, to care for the sick and wounded soldiers of Connecticut regiments on the field or in the hospitals.