US Soldier killed at the Battle of the Big Horn, Pvt Van Allen's true name was Garrett H. Niver. He enlisted into the US Army under the alias of Van Allen on October 2, 1873, at New York, NY. He was described as 5'7", blue eyes, brown hair with a dark complexion. His civilian occupation was farmer. On October 21, 1873, Van Allen reported for duty at Ft Rice, Dakota Territory. He was assigned to Company C, 7th US Cavalry Regiment. Company C was commanded by two time Medal of Honor recipient and brother of LTC George A Custer, Captain Tom Custer. Van Allen's duties were assistant to the quartermaster and company cook. At the Battle of the Little Bighorn, Company C was attached to LTC Custer's battalion. Sometime during the fighting Van Allen was killed. After the battle most of Company C was found on what had been the right flank of Company L in the area of Calhoun Ridge. Van Allen's remains were not reported as being identified. It is likely that his unidentified remains were first buried where they were found. In 1881 all known battlefield burials were moved to a mass grave on Last Stand Hill.
US Soldier killed at the Battle of the Big Horn, Pvt Van Allen's true name was Garrett H. Niver. He enlisted into the US Army under the alias of Van Allen on October 2, 1873, at New York, NY. He was described as 5'7", blue eyes, brown hair with a dark complexion. His civilian occupation was farmer. On October 21, 1873, Van Allen reported for duty at Ft Rice, Dakota Territory. He was assigned to Company C, 7th US Cavalry Regiment. Company C was commanded by two time Medal of Honor recipient and brother of LTC George A Custer, Captain Tom Custer. Van Allen's duties were assistant to the quartermaster and company cook. At the Battle of the Little Bighorn, Company C was attached to LTC Custer's battalion. Sometime during the fighting Van Allen was killed. After the battle most of Company C was found on what had been the right flank of Company L in the area of Calhoun Ridge. Van Allen's remains were not reported as being identified. It is likely that his unidentified remains were first buried where they were found. In 1881 all known battlefield burials were moved to a mass grave on Last Stand Hill.
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