Van Valkenburgh, R. B. (Robert Bruce), 1821-1888

Robert Bruce Van Valkenburgh (1821-1888) attended Franklin Academy in Prattsburg, New York; studied law; and was admitted to the bar and commenced practice in Bath, New York. He was a member of the New York State assembly in 1852, and again in 1857 and 1858. During the Civil War, he was the commander of the recruiting depot in Elmira, New York and organized seventeen regiments. He served as colonel of the 107th Regiment, New York Volunteer Infantry, and was its commander at the Battle of Antietam. He was elected as a Republican to the U.S. Congress, March 4, 1861 to March 3, 1865. He was appointed acting Commissioner of Indian Affairs in 1865. He was later appointed Minister Resident to Japan January 18, 1866, and served until November 11, 1869. He settled in Florida and was appointed associate justice of the Florida State supreme court on May 20, 1874, and served until his death on August 1, 1888.

From the description of Van Valkenburgh, R. B. (Robert Bruce), 1821-1888 (U.S. National Archives and Records Administration). naId: 10574785