The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1894-06-04
AT IAN HOUTHN' GRAVE
Memorial Services at WyekcR
Yesterday-Past Comman-
der Sands Address.

Ninety members of the G. Var Houten
Post No. 3, accompanied by a number of in
vited guests amongst whom were Lieutenant
Colonel Mason, Major Armstrong Of Green
vile. Congressman q. Bragg Fielder, Com
rade O'Neill, Clayland Tildep and Counsel
of administrator Kennedy, yesterday
journeyed to Gofie Hill Cemetery, better
known as the old Van Houten Cemetery
near Wyckoff, to hold memorial services at
the grave of Colonel Gillian Van Houten,
after whom the post is named. The veterans
arrived at Wyckoff at noon. They then
marched to q spot within about one mile OF
the burying ground. Tho sight which greeted
them was pleasing. Men, women and chill
dren for miles around had driven to the scene
to witness the ceremonies. The country is a
beautiful one, and after an hours rest, dur
ing which time refreshments in plenty were
served, they proceeded to the cemetery,
The veterans surrounded the grave of the
dead hero, and after the time honored Post
services had been performed, the drum and
fife corps rendered many beautiful patriotic
airs.
PAST COMMANDER SANDS ADDEss.
Past Commander Emmanuel Sands made
an address, in which he paid just tributes to
the gallant Colonel whose deeds they were
commemorative. ssComrades," said he,
bear the post name of O man whom all the
country honors. We bear that name proud
ly and with honor. Colonel Gillian Van
Houten was born about five miles
north Of where yon now stand. He was
born September IS, 1919. At an early age
he was thrown upon his own resources. He
became q cooper and conducted that bust
ness successfully until the call to arms. he
then enlisted in the Twenty-first Regiment,
New Jersey Volunteers. He was given his
commission of Colonel on September 3, 1861,
by Governor Olden, II on the twenty
fourth of the same month departed for the
seat of war, joining the Army of the Poto-
mac at Antietan Of May 4, 1868, when the
general advance was made upon Chancel.
lorsville. Colonel Van Houten was stationed
at Marie's Heights. He was wounded
in the knee in hat engagement and carried
to an old barn near by. The New Jersey
regiments suffered heavy losses in that ter
rible engagement, the First Brigade alone
losing 1900 men. The loss of officers was
also very great. No troops surpassed New
Jerseys in brilliancy and valor. When
Colonel Van Houten's regiment was forced
to retreat it passed the barn in which Colonel
Van Houten lay bleeding, his life fast ebblng
away. Colonel Fielder volunteered to re
main with him and did SO. The rebels
captured the barn and took Colonel
Van Houten and his faithful friend
prisoners. Colonel Fielder offered every
inducement possible to the rebel surgeons to
amputate the shattered limb, but they were
too busy with their own wounded and at
three O'Clock the next morning Colonel Van
Houten's life had bled away, he having died
in Colonel Fielder's arms. The body was
inferred in the barn yard, but subsequently
was procured under a flag OF truce and
brought to this spot and inferred with all
honors due q heroic citizen soldier. As q
friend he was true and steadfast and
as a soldier beyond fear and ~reproach.
He died that our free government might
exist.
"As we celebrate each year the glories of
our comrades, we must bear in mind that
they marked a mile stone in our lives, Be
cause our numbers are diminishing it should
increase and strengthen our love, and when
we are called at last let us all be ready to
go into our eternal camp joyfully."
OTHER EXERCISES.
An address was also delivered by g.. Bragg
Fielder. The exercises concluded with the
usual rifle salute. The comrades returned
well satisfied with the reception they had re-
ceived at Wyckof.