Gustavus Sniper facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gustavus A. Sniper
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| Born | June 11, 1836 Baden-Württemberg |
| Died | March 29, 1894 (aged 57) Syracuse, New York |
| Buried |
Woodlawn Cemetery, Syracuse New York
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| Years of service | 1862-1863; September 1864-June 1865 |
| Rank | Brevet brigadier general |
| Unit | 101st New York Infantry Regiment 1862-1863, 185th New York Infantry Regiment 1864-1865 |
| Battles/wars | Battle of Fredericksburg, Battle of Lewis's Farm |
| Memorials | Gustavus Sniper Memorial, Syracuse New York |
| Spouse(s) | Catherine Miller |
Gustavus Sniper (born June 11, 1836 – died March 29, 1894) was an important military leader during the American Civil War. He was born in Germany and later became a Union Army officer. He earned the special rank of brevet brigadier general on March 13, 1865.
Contents
Biography
Early Life and Education
Gustavus Sniper was born in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany. When he was six years old, in 1842, his family moved to Syracuse, New York. He went to public schools in Syracuse. He also studied more by going to night school. As an adult, he worked in a business that made cigars. Sniper was a member of the Republican Party. He was against slavery.
Military Service in the Civil War
In 1854, Gustavus Sniper joined a local military group called the Syracuse Light Guards. He also held positions in other groups like the Syracuse Grays. When the Civil War began, he helped create a company of soldiers from Onondaga County. These soldiers joined the 12th New York Volunteer Infantry. He also helped form a company for the 24th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment.
His first time serving in battle was with the 101st New York Volunteer Infantry. He started as a lieutenant and moved up to captain. In 1863, he went back to New York for a short time to get married. Soon after, he returned to the war. He became a lieutenant colonel with the 185th New York Volunteer Infantry. He fought in important battles in Virginia. These included battles near Petersburg and Hatchers Run. In February 1865, he became the colonel of his regiment. In March 1865, he fought in the Battle of White Oak Road. He also fought in the Battle of Quaker Road near Petersburg.
After the War
After the Civil War ended, Gustavus Sniper continued to serve his community. He was elected to several public offices. He became the county clerk and a deputy collector of internal revenue. He was also elected to the New York State Assembly three times. He helped make laws for New York State.
Gustavus Sniper passed away in 1894. He died at his home in Syracuse. He was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in Syracuse.
Honors and Legacy
On May 30, 1905, a special statue of Gustavus Sniper was revealed. This happened on Decoration Day, which is now called Memorial Day. The statue shows Sniper riding a horse. It is located in what was then called Schlosser Park in Syracuse, New York. This park is a small grassy area. It is surrounded by North Salina, North State, and East Laurel streets.
The statue's sword was stolen many times over the years. Eventually, the city stopped replacing it in the 1950s. This statue is special because it is the only one in Syracuse that shows a person riding a horse. It helps people remember Gustavus Sniper's contributions.
