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William Thomas Van Tassell, Civil War Veteran*
William T. Van Tassell Dead
Was One of the Best Known Men in the County
For Years was Prominently Enaged in Business
Served with Distinction in Civil War and as Sheriff
William Thomas Van Tassell died at his home on Green St, sufferer of consumption for many years (d. Aug 13, 1902), born in the town of Shawangunk August 13, 1843. Because of defective eyesight he was unable to attend school until 10 years old. He was almost entirely self-educated.
Civil War Vet
At age 18, he became member of the old Twentieth Regiment in this county and was one of the bravest and most faithful soldiers. He was in the front ranks of the regiment at the battles of Norman's Ford, Sulphur Springs, Gainsville, Mannassas, Fairfax Courthouse, Fredricksburg, and Gettysburg and was made a Sgt of his company for intrepid conduct in battle. He served 4 years, 4 months and was wounded at Fredricksburg.
At the close of the War, he was appointed to a responsible position in the state prison at Sing Sing where he remained two years. Then he was made a foreman of Lawrence Cement Co. and was a contractor for that company. In 1874 he was in partnership with brother John C. Van Tassell and opened a store in Rosendale. In 1875, he disposed of his interest in Rosendale and went to California for six years. He returned in 1881 and was employed at the Lawrence Cement Company at Rosendale. In 1889, he became superintendent of same.
He was elected Supervisor of the town of Rosendale from 1886 until 1891 when he was elected Sheriff of Ulster County. He removed to Kingston and after his term as Sheriff, he purchased Lawrence Cement Company at Rosendale. After a few years he sold the same. His last business venture was conducting a shoe store on Broadway in Kingston.
In April 1869, he married Melissa Hatch at Sing Sing - she died in California in 1876. His second marriage was to Lucretia D. Carmen of Rosendale, who with one daughter, Fannie survives him.
Mr. Van Tassell was a member of Kingston Lodge #10, Nee and Accepted Masons, Cement Rock Lodge #244, Knights of Pythias, Hiawatha Lodge #532, Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Rosendale and Pratt Post GAR #127 of which he had been commander.
The funeral was from the residence on Green St. Friday morning. (Buried in New Paltz Rural Cemetery)
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