Stephen Watts Kearny

Kearny, Stephen Watts (1794–1848), U.S. general. During the Mexican War (1846–48) he conquered New Mexico by diplomacy, persuading the more powerful Mexican force to withdraw peacefully. He subdued California also, despite conflict with fellow officers Robert Stockton and John Frémont. Governor of Veracruz and Mexico City in 1848, he died there of yellow fever.

See also: Mexican War.