Frederick W. Lander
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Frederick West Lander (1821 - 1862) was a general in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Lander was born in Salem, Massachusetts. He was educated at the Norwich Military Academy in Vermont and took up the profession of civil engineering.
The United States government employed him on transcontinental surveys to select a route for a Pacific railroad. Later he undertook a survey for the same purpose at his own expense and was the only man of the party to survive. He constructed the overland wagon route in the face of great difficulties and constant hostility of the Indians.
During the early part of the Civil War, he served with distinction on secret missions and on the staff of General McClellan, until his sudden death from congestion of the brain, at which time he had the rank of brigadier general of volunteers. He was engaged in the capture of Philippi, the battle of Rich Mountain, and many minor skirmishes.
He was the husband of stage actress Jean Margaret Davenport.
[edit] References
- This article incorporates text from an edition of the New International Encyclopedia that is in the public domain.
