William Powers KNIBBS, 1876-1906
Hero of the Spanish-American war, 1898
& US Consul to British Columbia

Created 10th March, 2017

William Powers Knibbs  
At the outbreak of the Spanish war, William enlisted in the regular army, and was assigned to Company E, of the Seventh United States Infantry, which regiment took a very active part In the operations leading up to the surrender of Santiago. 
During the battle of El Caney in Cuba, when the American army took the Spanish blockhouses and trenches, he received four wounds in one day, some of which were severe. 
One of the shots passed through William’s neck and caused a formation over one of the large arteries, which grew and expanded and pressed upon It until It was predicted by eminent specialists that paralysis would result. The best physicians In the entire country were consulted In regard to a possible operation, but they considered it too dangerous to perform. Knibbs was bright and cheerful and resigned to his fate, which he had come to look upon as Inevitable. 
He was a young man of more than ordinary intelligence, well known in Hyde Park, where he formerly lived before moving to Boston, and was one of the most prominent Spanish war veterans In the State, becaming a commander in the Legion of Spanish War Veterans in Boston. 
  

(
US Army Spanish Campaign Medal )
 
He won for himself some prominence in life, having been appointed by President McKinley as United States consul to British Columbia. He was  an entertaining after dinner speaker, recalling the exciting days of the campaign and also several interesting personal experiences.

HOME
Introduction|What's New?|Index of Individuals|Surnames|Casualties of War
Location of Events|Chronology of Events|Occupations|Who are They?|