Verplanck Van Antwerp facts for kids
Verplanck S. Van Antwerp (born June 8, 1807 – died December 2, 1875) was an important figure during the American Civil War. He served as a special kind of general in the Union Army. Before and after the war, he also worked for the U.S. government, helping manage land and working with Native American affairs.
Who Was Verplanck Van Antwerp?
Verplanck Van Antwerp was born in Albany, New York, on June 8, 1807. He spent many years working for the U.S. government. In the 1830s and 1840s, he was in charge of a U.S. Land Office in Keokuk, Iowa. This meant he helped manage government land. He also worked as a secretary for the person in charge of Native American affairs.
Van Antwerp's Role in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Van Antwerp joined the Union Army. From 1861 to 1862, he was a Major and a Chief Engineer. He worked with Major General James G. Blunt, helping with important engineering tasks for the army.
Later, he moved to a different part of the army called the Army of the Potomac. Here, he worked as an Acting Assistant Adjutant General for Major General Winfield Scott Hancock. He stayed in this important role until the war ended. An Adjutant General helps manage the army's records, orders, and communications.
By the end of the war, he was recognized as a Brevet Brigadier General. A "brevet" rank is an honorary promotion, given for brave or excellent service, but it doesn't always come with the pay or command of a full general.
Van Antwerp's Family Life
Verplanck Van Antwerp married Jane Maria Yates (1815-1870). Her father, John Van Ness Yates, was from Albany, and her grandfather was Robert Yates, a well-known politician.
Verplanck and Jane had four children:
- Catharine Van Antwerp, born around March 1831, who passed away around 1863.
- Caroline Van Antwerp, born on January 16, 1843, who lived until January 15, 1925.
- Yates Van Antwerp, born around 1847.
- Jesse F Van Antwerp, born around January 1850.
