George Stoneman Jr. was a notable American military officer and politician during the 19th century. Born on December 8, 1822, in New York, he graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1846. Stoneman served in the Mexican-American War and later became a significant figure in the American Civil War, where he held the rank of major general in the Union Army. After the Civil War, Stoneman transitioned into politics, serving as the governor of California from 1883 to 1887. His tenure focused on various reforms, including improvements in education and infrastructure. Stoneman passed away on September 5, 1894, leaving a legacy in both military and political spheres.