Gustavus Sniper

Gustavus Sniper (June 11, 1836 – March 29, 1894) was a German-born Union brevet brigadier general during the period of the American Civil War. He received his appointment as brevet brigadier general dated to March 13, 1865.[1]

Gustavus Sniper statue at Schlosser Park, Syracuse, New York

Born in Freiburg im Breisgau, Gustavus Sniper emigrated with his family to the United States when he 3 years old. In 1854, he joined the Syracuse Light Guards and also held offices with the Syracuse Grays and the Davis Light Guards. When the Civil War broke out, he organized a company of Onondaga County men for the 12th New York Volunteer Infantry. He also organized a company for the 24th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment also from Onondaga County. However, his first service in the field was with the 101st New York Volunteer Infantry where he rose in rank from lieutenant to captain. In 1863, he returned home to New York briefly to get married, but he soon returned to war as a lieutenant colonel with the 185th New York Volunteer Infantry. He saw action in Virginia at Petersburg and Hatchers Run. In February 1865, he was made the regiment's colonel. In March 1865, he saw action at the Battle of White Oak Road and the Battle of Quaker Road outside Petersburg.[2] As an adult he ran a cigar-making business in Syracuse, New York. After the war, he was elected county clerk, deputy collector of internal revenue, and to the New York State Assembly three times.[3]