George Warren Dresser facts for kids

Major George Warren Dresser (born September 15, 1837 – died May 27, 1883) was an American soldier and civil engineer. He was a well-known person in the high society of New York and Newport.

Early Life and Education

George Warren Dresser was born on September 15, 1837, in Abington, Connecticut. His father was George Andrew Dresser, a lawyer. His mother was Hannah W. Brown Dresser. George had several siblings, including Charles, William, Jacqueline, Mary, and Frances.

His family first came to America in 1639, settling in Rowley, Massachusetts. In July 1856, George was accepted into the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. This is a famous school for training military officers.

Military Career

After graduating from West Point on May 6, 1861, George Dresser became a Second Lieutenant in the 4th U.S. Artillery. He helped train new soldiers for the Union Army.

During the Civil War, he fought in important battles. He was a first lieutenant in the First Battle of Bull Run. He also helped defend Washington, the nation's capital.

In March 1862, he worked as an engineer during the Virginia Peninsular Campaign. He was involved in the Siege of Yorktown. He also taught artillery tactics at West Point for a while.

Later, he was assigned to engineer duty in Chattanooga, Tennessee. In July 1864, he became an inspector for the 5th Army Corps. He held this job until March 1865.

Promotions and Resignation

George Dresser was promoted to captain in August 1864. This was for his brave actions during operations on the Weldon Railroad. He was also promoted to Major in March 1865 for his good conduct during the war. He left the military on October 13, 1865.

Engineering Career

After leaving the army, George Dresser became a civil engineer. This means he designed and built things like roads, bridges, and water systems.

He surveyed the Block Island breakwater, which helps protect the harbor. He also worked on the defenses of Narragansett Bay. He was the chief engineer for the Wickford Branch Railroad. He also worked for the New York State Department of Public Works.

From 1870 to 1873, he worked on the Croton Aqueduct in New York City. This aqueduct carries water to the city. In October 1875, he became the editor of the American Gas Light Journal. He kept this job until he passed away.

George Dresser was a very active member of the American Society of Civil Engineers. He enjoyed discussing new ideas and projects. He also worked on Fort Adams in Newport.

Family Life

On April 21, 1863, George Dresser married Susan Fish LeRoy. Susan's father was Daniel LeRoy. Her mother was Susan Elizabeth Fish. Susan was also the niece of Hamilton Fish, who was a former U.S. Secretary of State. She was also related to Peter Stuyvesant, an important historical figure.

George and Susan had five children:

• Susan LeRoy Dresser (1864–1960)
• Daniel LeRoy Dresser (1866–1915)
• Natalie Bayard Dresser (1869–1950)
• Edith Stuyvesant Dresser (1873–1958)
• Pauline Georgine Warren Dresser (1876–1975)

Later Life and Descendants

Susan, George's wife, passed away on April 4, 1883, in New York City. George Dresser died the next month, on May 27, 1883, in Newport. He was buried at Island Cemetery in Newport. After their parents' deaths, Susan's mother raised the children.

George Dresser's children went on to have interesting lives.

• His daughter Edith married Vanderbilt heir George Washington Vanderbilt II. He built the famous Biltmore Estate. After his death, she married Peter Goelet Gerry, a U.S. Senator.
• His daughter Natalie married John Nicholas Brown I. Their son, John Nicholas Brown II, was called the "richest baby in America." He later became the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (AIR) under President Harry S. Truman.