U. S. appraiser; born, Troy, Mich., (Oakland Co) July 28, 1836; son of Stephen Van Rennsselaer and Elizabeth (Conkling Trowbridge; educated in public schools and at Yale University; studied law in office of Hon. Sidney D. Miller, Detroit, and was admitted to the bar, 1858; married, Detroit, Apr. 8, 1862, Julia M. Buel. Practiced in partnership with Hon. A. W. Buel, 1859-62 , entered army as major Fifth Michigan Cavalry, 1862; lieutenant-colonel Tenth Michigan Cavalry, 1863; colonel, 1864, provost marshal-general East Tennessee, 1865; took an active part in pursuit of Jefferson Davis, and on return to Tennessee was assigned to command of the cavalry brigade of East Tennessee and remained until close of war; breveted brigadier-general- and major-general, Sept. 1, 1865, for faithful and meritorious services during the war. Was appointed inspector general of state troops by Gov. Bagley, 1873, served as collector of internal revenue, Ist Michigan district, 1875 to 1883; controller City of Detroit, 1883-85, resigning to become vice president of Wayne County Savings Bank; became private secretary to Hon. Luther Beecher, 1887, and after death of Mr. Beecher was appointed one of the administrators of the estate; treasurer Detroit College of Medicine for twenty years; U. S. appraiser since Mar., 1903. Republican. Member Loyal Legion, G. A. R. Office: Old Government Bldg. Residence: 609 Jefferson Av.

The Book of Detroiters by Albert Nelson Marquis 1908 by Albert Nelson Marquis
Photography from Ronald Deavy at Find-A-Grave 3 March 2004

Military Biography
Civil War Union Brevet Major General. Served during the Civil War first as the Major of the 5th Michigan Volunteer Cavalry, then as Colonel and commander of the 10th Michigan Volunteer Cavalry. He was brevetted both Brigadier and Major General, US Volunteers on June 15, 1865 for "faithful and meritorious services". Bio from Russ Dodge at Find-A-Grave