Gen. James Henry Van Alen (1819-1886)

Brigadier-General James H. Van Alen, of the Union Cavalry

He was the son of a wealthy merchant whose family were an old and notable one in Kinderhook, New York, with connections to U.S. President Martin Van Buren. He was educated by private tutors and travelled in Europe. His wealth was such that he managed it, but it was not necessary for him to play an active role in the business of it. On the outbreak of Civil War, he raised and equipped the 3rd New York Cavalry Regiment. He served as their Colonel until his promotion in 1863 to Brigadier-General. During the Battle of Chancellorsville, he was aide-de-camp to General Joseph Hooker and he was later assigned to Aquia Creek in Virginia. After the war, he gave a famous speech to the Republican Reform Club detailing what he observed in the Presidential Elections of 1876, when Democrats used fraud and intimidation over blacks to gain votes in Louisiana. He married Mary Young Steward who belonged to a notable family associated with Goshen and New York City. They were the parents of one son, James, and two daughters: Sophie, Mrs Robert Minturn Grinnell; and, Lucy, Mrs Samuel Hutchins Hurd. 

Parents

James Isaac Van Alen

James I. Van Alen, "affluent merchant" of Kinderhook, New York

1788-1874

Lucy (Trumbull) Van Alen

Mrs Lucy (Trumbull) Van Alen

1788-1867

Spouse

Mary (Steward) Van Alen

Mrs Mary Young (Steward) Van Alen

1818-1852

Children

Lucy (Van Alen) Hurd

Mrs Lucy (Van Alen) Hurd

b.1832

Sophia (Van Alen) Grinnell

Mrs "Sophie" (Van Alen) Grinnell

1834-1916

James John Van Alen

James J. Van Alen, "The American Prince of Wales" of Wakehurst etc.

1846-1923

Associated Houses

The Grange, Newport

Newport, Rhode Island