George W. Van Vlack
: George enlisted at Versailles, NY on October 5, 1861 at the age of 22 years and served 3 years. He was mustered in as a Private, Co. A on October 9, 1861; promoted Corporal, Sergeant, and 1st Sergeant. On August 25, 1864, he was captured in action at Reams Station, VA; paroled on October 8, 1864, and mustered out on December 16, 1864.On May 12, 1864, George captured two Confederate Generals: Maj. General G.H. Stewart and Brig. Gen. Edward A. Johnson. George later received a brevet commission for these captures. He received a commission as 2nd Lt. (Brevet) on October 10, 1868 for "gallant and meritorious services."
George was born May 2, 1839, in Versailles, Cattaraugus Co., NY, son of Daniel A. and Jane (Wiley) Van Vlack; d. Feb. 21, 1917 at Perrysburg, NY and buried in Rathbun Lawn Cemetery, Town of Hanover, Chautauqua County, NY; married on Nov. 8, 1865, Mariette Amelia Merrill, she b. July 15, 1847 in Dayton, NY and d. May 4, 1920, a dau. of Leonard and Eliza (Judd) Merrill.
References:
"New York in the War of the Rebellion 1861-1865" by Phisterer, 1909, 3rd edition. "64th Regt. of Infantry, 1st/Cattaraugus Regt. (Veteran)" Volume 3, page 261
"Adjutant General's Report, 1909"
George's deposition dated June, 1905; letters home during the War from George and brother Henry.
He is buried at Rathbun Cemetery, Town of Hanover, Chautauqua County, NY
Photo of gravestone courtesy of Gowanda Area Historical Society
P.O. Box 372
Gowanda, NY 14070
Additional information about George Van Vlack can be seen here .
