Albert B. Van Vleet Biography, Genesee County, Michigan

This Biography extracted from “Portrait and Biographical Record of 
Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties, Michigan…”, published be Chapman 
Bros., Chicago (1892), p. 962


This copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives.




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ALBERT B. VAN VLEET. Among the many patriotic citizens of Gaines 
Township, Genesee County, who in the time of their nation's struggles 
shouldered the musket and went into the battlefield, we are pleased to 
name Mr. Van Vleet, who enlisted August 13, 1862, although less than 
twenty years of age, in Company K, Twenty-third Regiment Michigan 
Infantry, and served three years under the stars and stripes.

   James Van Vleet, the father of our subject, came to Genesee County 
with his wife, Mary Ann Cooley, about the year 1844, migrating hither 
from Seneca County, N. Y., and settling in Gaines Township, where they 
lived until 1868, when they removed to Flint, which has since been 
their home. Our subject is the eldest of six children and was born in 
Varrick, Seneca County, N. Y., October 9, 1842. His boyhood days were 
spent in Gaines Township after his second year, at which time he came 
West with his parents and he has here carried on the business of 
farming since he grew to maturity.

   During his military career Mr. Van Vleet took part in the battles of 
Resaca, Atlanta, the siege of Knoxville, Franklin and Nashville, and 
was with Sherman in his march to the sea. He also fought at Ft. 
Anderson, N. C., and was engaged in many minor fights. Upon returning 
to Gaines Township he resumed farming operations but with impaired 
health. He suffered much from severe and exhausting marches while in 
service and was one of those who on foot pursued John Morgan's raiders 
through Indiana.

   Our subject was married in Grand Blanc Township to Miss Edna, 
daughter of Eli Brainerd of Grand Blanc Township, where she was born. 
One child blesses their home, namely, Lillie, and they have laid to 
rest one child, Jessie, who died at the age of eleven years.

   Mr. Van Vleet has been raised by his fellow-townsmen to the position 
of Township Clerk and was Township Treasurer for four years. He is a 
member of the Samuel Atherton Post No. 116, G. A. R. of which he has 
been commander and being an earnest Republican and a man of more than 
ordinary judgment and discretion as well as zeal, he is considered a 
leader in the political affairs of the township and county. He owns 
eighty acres of land and carries on operations on over one hundred 
acres besides his own. His beautiful home is situated amidst attractive 
surroundings and the family is looked upon as a leading one of the 
township in all social matters.




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