William Vandever facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Vandever
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William Vandever
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| Born | March 31, 1817 Baltimore, Maryland |
| Died | July 24, 1893 (aged 76) Ventura, California |
| Place of burial |
Ventura Cemetery, Ventura, California
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Rank |  Brevet Major General |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
William Vandever (born March 31, 1817 – died July 23, 1893) was an important person in American history. He served as a Representative for both Iowa and California. He was also a general in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Contents
William Vandever's Life Story
Early Years and Education
William Vandever was born in Baltimore, Maryland. He went to local schools there. In 1839, he moved to Illinois, and then to Iowa in 1851. He studied law and became a lawyer in 1852. He started his law practice in Dubuque, Iowa. His family came from Dutch ancestors.
In 1858, people in Iowa elected him to the United States House of Representatives. He was a member of the Republican Party. He was re-elected in 1860. In 1861, he attended a special meeting in Washington, D.C.. This meeting tried to find ways to prevent the upcoming American Civil War.
Serving in the Civil War
When the Civil War began in 1861, Vandever joined the Union Army. He became a colonel and led the 9th Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He fought in many important battles. These included the Battle of Pea Ridge, where he led a brigade of soldiers.
He was promoted to brigadier general in 1862. He led troops in different parts of the war. He fought in the Battle of Chalk Bluff and during the siege of Vicksburg. Later, he joined General William T. Sherman's army. He fought in major battles like Kennesaw Mountain, Atlanta, and Ezra Church. He also fought in the battle of Bentonville. In 1865, he received an honorary rank of major general. This is called a "brevet" rank.
It was unusual, but William Vandever continued to be a member of Congress for some time. He held his military position at the same time.
Life After the War
After the war, William Vandever went back to being a lawyer in Dubuque, Iowa. In 1873, President Ulysses S. Grant appointed him as a United States Indian inspector. He worked in this role until 1877.
In 1884, Vandever moved to San Buenaventura, California. He was elected to the House of Representatives again in 1887. This time, he represented California's 6th congressional district. This district was very large, covering more than half of California. He served two terms until 1891. He decided not to run for re-election in 1890.
William Vandever passed away in Ventura, California, in 1893. He was buried in the Ventura Cemetery.
