Page:The Biographical Dictionary of America, vol. 10.djvu/261

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.

VANDEVER


VAN DORN


^Mh


in the Seminary of Mechlin, and also instructor in Latin; immigrated to the United States in 1817, and continued his studies in Georgetown university, D.C., 1817-19. He was a professor of belles-lettres, in St. Mary's college, Kansas, from 1819; ordained priest, Sept. 25, 1827, in the cathedral at Baltimore, Md., by Archbishop Mare- chal; was cliaplain of the Convent of the Visita- tion, 1827-29, and engaged in charge of missions in Rockville and Rock Creek, Md., 1829-31. He was professor of rhetoric in St. Lewis college (university), Missouri, 1831-33; vice-president and jirocurator of the univer- sity, 1833-40; vice -provincial of Missouri, 1837 and 1843; pres- ident of the uni- versity, 1840-49, serving as rep- resentative of his province to the congrega- tion of procura- tors in Rome, 1840, and as so- cius of the pro- vincial was a member of the council of Balti- more, Md., 1848. He was consecrated bishop of Chicago, Feb. 11, 1849, at St. Louis, Mo., by Archbishop Kenriek, assisted by Bishops Loras and Miles, visiting Rome in 1852, where he per- suaded Pope Pius IX. to transfer him to a diocese more beneficial to his failing health. He was translated to the vacant see of Natchez, Miss., July 29, 1853, and installed. Dec. 13. In the midst of his labors he sustained a fatal injury, and died in Natchez. Miss., Nov. 13, 1855.

VANDEVER, William, representative, was born in Baltimore, Md., March 31, 1817; son of William and Margaret (Ten Eyck) Vandever; grandson of William Vandever, who .served in the war of 1812. His ancestors came from Hol- land and settled in Wilmington, Del., in 1658. He removed to Illinois in 1839: was married, Jan. 7, 1847. to Jane H., daughter of Charles C. and Eliza Williams of Westfield, N.J.; removed to Iowa in 1851, and was admitted to the bar in 1852. He was a Republican representative from Iowa in the 36th and 37th congresses, 1859-63. He recruited the 9th regiment and the 3d battery of artillery in Iowa; was commissioned colonel and took part in the southwestern campaign under Gen. S. R. Curtis; commanded the 2d brigade, 4th division, at Pea Ridge, Mai-ch 6, 1862, and was brevetted brigadier-geiieral for gallant


CATHEDRAL OF THE HOLY NAME.


and meritorious services at Arkansas Post. TTe served under General Sherman in the Atlanta campaign, commanding the 3d brigade, 2d divis- ion, 16th army corps. Army of the Tennessee; was stationed at Kenesaw Mountain, in October, 1864, and prior to the battle of AUatoona. he sig- nalled over the heads of the Confederate force, "Sherman says, 'Hold on, lam coming.'" He repelled Gen. J. E. Johnston's last assault on Sher- man's extreme right made by Hardee's and Bragg's corps, March 19, 1865, at Benton ville, N.C.; was brevetted major-general for this ser- vice, and after the war returned to Iowa. He resumed his law practice; was U.S. Indian in- spector, 1873-77; and removed to San Buenaven- tura, Cal., in 1884, serving as a Republican rep- resentative from the sixth district of California, in the 50th and 51st congresses, 1887-91. He was chairman of the committee on irrigation of arid lands, and a member of that on mines and min- ing. He died in Ventura. Cal., July 23, 1893.

VAN DE VVVER, Augustine, R. C. bishop, was born in Haesdonck, Belgium, Dec. 1, 1844. He was ordained, July 24. 1870. at Brussels, Bel- gium, and came to the United States. He was consecrated bishop of the Roman Catholic church in the Cathedral of St. Peter, Richniond, Va., Oct. 20, 1889, by Cardinal Gibbons, assisted by Bishops Kain and Haid. Bisliop Van De Vyver received the honorary degree of D.D.

VAN DORN, Earl, soldier, was born near Port Gibson, Miss., Sept. 17, 1820. He was graduated from the U.S. Military academy, July 1. 1842; and commissioned 2d lieutenant, Nov. 30. 1844. He served in the war with Mexico, being engaged in the defense of Fort Brown, May 3-9, 1846, and the battle of Monterey, September 21; was promoted 1st lieutenant, March 3, 1847; was engaged at the siege of Vera Cruz, March 9-29, 1847; the battles of Cerro Gordo, April 17-18 (being brevetted captain on the last day for gallantry), Contreras, Aug. 19- 20, 1847, and Cheru- busco, August 20. He

was brevetted major for Contreras and Cheru- busco, August 20; served during the assault and capture of the city of Mexico, Sept. 13-14, 1847, and was wounded in entering the Belen Gate. He took part in the Seminole war, 1849-50; wns promoted captain, 2d cavalry, March 3, 1855, and led an expedition against the Comanche Indians,


^arf^?^u^3i^-i^^