Civil War Union Army Officer. He served during the Civil War first as a 1st Lieutenant in Company C, 20th New York State Militia (a 100-day enlistment regiment), then as Major and commander of the the 20th New York State Militia "Ulster Guards" (80th New York State Volunteers). He was wounded in the defense of the center of the Union line during Pickett's Charge on the third day of the Battle of Gettysburg (July 3, 1863). A small monument erected at the Gettysburg Battlefield reads in part "Major Walter A. Van Rensselaer was wounded near the slashing in a successful attempt to capture an enemy battle flag." He was accorded the brevet rank of Colonel after he was discharged from active duty. After the Civil War, he returned to Kingston, New York, where he pursued his career as a medical doctor. He married and had five children, but died prematurely of his war wounds at the age of 43.
Civil War Union Army Officer. He served during the Civil War first as a 1st Lieutenant in Company C, 20th New York State Militia (a 100-day enlistment regiment), then as Major and commander of the the 20th New York State Militia "Ulster Guards" (80th New York State Volunteers). He was wounded in the defense of the center of the Union line during Pickett's Charge on the third day of the Battle of Gettysburg (July 3, 1863). A small monument erected at the Gettysburg Battlefield reads in part "Major Walter A. Van Rensselaer was wounded near the slashing in a successful attempt to capture an enemy battle flag." He was accorded the brevet rank of Colonel after he was discharged from active duty. After the Civil War, he returned to Kingston, New York, where he pursued his career as a medical doctor. He married and had five children, but died prematurely of his war wounds at the age of 43.
Bio by: Mark Bodnar
Inscription
IDOL OF HIS COMMAND, CHOSEN COMRADE OF HIS PEERS AND PET OF HIS SUPERIORS
Family Members
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