Civil War Union Army Officer. In 1827, at age 18, he was chosen as a Corporal in a New York State Militia company. In September 1831 he received a commission as Ensign of 89th Infantry Regiment, NYS Militia. He rose steadily in his militia unit, being promoted to Captain in August 1833, Major in 1835, and to Lieutenant Colonel in 1839. In 1841 he was promoted to Colonel and transferred to the 25th Infantry Regt, NYS Militia. In May 1854 he was promoted to Brigadier General of 11th Brigade, 3rd Division, NYS Militia, a post he served in until he resigned in the fall of 1860 at the age of 51. At outbreak of Civil War, due in part to his long militia service, he was commissioned Colonel and commander of the 30th New York Volunteer Infantry. He was subsequently killed in action at the Battle of Second Bull Run (2nd Manassas) on Aug 29, 1862, "while leading his men in an order to 'charge at double quick' a ball struck him in the lower jaw, passing through his face”. Still in the saddle, he was struck on the top of the head with another ball which passed through and came out the other side, killing him instantly. Four days later his body was interred on the battlefield. Soon after, his grave was found and his body exhumed, sent to Washington for embalming, and returned to Albany for burial. The funeral took place on September 11, 1862.
Civil War Union Army Officer. In 1827, at age 18, he was chosen as a Corporal in a New York State Militia company. In September 1831 he received a commission as Ensign of 89th Infantry Regiment, NYS Militia. He rose steadily in his militia unit, being promoted to Captain in August 1833, Major in 1835, and to Lieutenant Colonel in 1839. In 1841 he was promoted to Colonel and transferred to the 25th Infantry Regt, NYS Militia. In May 1854 he was promoted to Brigadier General of 11th Brigade, 3rd Division, NYS Militia, a post he served in until he resigned in the fall of 1860 at the age of 51. At outbreak of Civil War, due in part to his long militia service, he was commissioned Colonel and commander of the 30th New York Volunteer Infantry. He was subsequently killed in action at the Battle of Second Bull Run (2nd Manassas) on Aug 29, 1862, "while leading his men in an order to 'charge at double quick' a ball struck him in the lower jaw, passing through his face”. Still in the saddle, he was struck on the top of the head with another ball which passed through and came out the other side, killing him instantly. Four days later his body was interred on the battlefield. Soon after, his grave was found and his body exhumed, sent to Washington for embalming, and returned to Albany for burial. The funeral took place on September 11, 1862.
Bio by: Mark Bodnar
Inscription
Colonel, 30th Regt, NYSV - Fell at 2nd Battle of Bull Run, VA, August 30, 1862
Family Members
Siblings
Advertisement
