Carlos Clark Van Leer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Carlos Clark Van Leer
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| Birth name | Carlos Clark Van Leer |
| Born | October 15, 1865 Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Died | November 3, 1953 (aged 88) Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1885-1904 |
| Rank |  Captain |
| Battles/wars | Spanish–American War |
| Alma mater | Vanderbilt University |
Carlos Clark Van Leer (born October 15, 1865 – died November 3, 1953) was an important American military officer. He served in the United States Army for many years. Later, he worked for the government in the United States Department of the Treasury. He became the Chief of the Personnel Classification Board there. Carlos was part of the well-known Van Leer Family, who were some of the first people to settle in the Pennsylvania Colony.
Early Life and Family History
Carlos Van Leer was born in Nashville, Tennessee. His family had a long history in America. His great-grandfather, Samuel Van Leer, fought in the American Revolutionary War. This war was when America became independent from Great Britain. Samuel fought alongside a famous general named Anthony Wayne.
The Van Leer family was known for their iron business. They even made cannons and cannonballs for the American army during the Revolutionary War. They were also active in helping to end slavery. Several historic places in Pennsylvania are linked to the Van Leer family. These include the Van Leer Cabin and the Van Leer Pleasant Hill Plantation. Carlos Van Leer studied law and earned his degree from Vanderbilt University in 1895.
His Military and Government Career
Carlos Van Leer served in the United States Army with his brother, Samuel. Carlos started as a First lieutenant and later became a Captain. He fought in the Spanish–American War. This war was fought between the United States and Spain in 1898.
After the war, Carlos was asked to work for the United States Department of the Treasury. His brother Samuel stayed in the Philippines as an officer. Carlos began his government career by managing the Treasury branch in Tennessee. He later became an assistant director for the Office of Management and Budget. He then became the Chief of the Personnel Classification Board. This board helped organize government workers. Carlos was also a member of the American Chemical Society.
Carlos Van Leer passed away in 1953. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. His family continued to serve the country. His son, Carlos II, graduated from Yale and fought in World War II. His grandson, John Van Leer, earned a special degree from MIT. He helped the government with guided missile systems. Today, John is a professor at the University of Miami. He teaches about clean energy and how to live in a way that helps the planet.
