31 Facts About Alexander Shaler

Alexander Shaler was a Union Army general in the American Civil War.

Alexander Shaler received the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions at the Second Battle of Fredericksburg.

Alexander Shaler lived much of his life in New York City beginning at the age of seven.

Apparently Alexander Shaler had a private income that allowed him to pursue his own interests, and he was educated in private schools.

Alexander Shaler was active in the New York State militia, beginning as a private in 1848 and becoming major of the 7th New York Militia in 1860.

Alexander Shaler was credited by The New York Times with drilling the regiment well.

Alexander Shaler became colonel on June 17,1862, after Cochrane was promoted to the rank of brigadier general.

Alexander Shaler's regiment became part of Cochrane's brigade in that division.

Alexander Shaler assumed command of the brigade in March 1863 following the resignation of John Cochrane.

Alexander Shaler was appointed to the rank of brigadier general, to rank from May 26,1862, on May 26,1863.

At a crucial moment, Alexander Shaler seized a flag and led his men into the Confederate defenses.

Alexander Shaler's brigade participated in the Battle of Salem Church.

Alexander Shaler's brigade was sent to the right flank early on July 3,1863.

About 3:30 that afternoon, Alexander Shaler's brigade was sent to the center of the army as a reserve around the time of the repulse of Pickett's Charge.

Alexander Shaler was back with his brigade in 1864 in time to participate in the Overland Campaign.

VI Corps had been reorganized, and Alexander Shaler's brigade served in General Horatio Wright's first division.

Alexander Shaler was trying to rally his men when he was made a captive.

Alexander Shaler was sent to Libby Prison, in Richmond, Virginia and then to Macon, Georgia.

In June 1865, as the war was ending, Shaler cooperated in the efforts of Major General Grenville Dodge, commanding the Department of Missouri, to parole the irregular forces of Brigadier General M Jeff Thompson.

Alexander Shaler was mustered out of the volunteers on August 24,1865.

Alexander Shaler was active in veterans' affairs, including heading the New York Commandery of the Loyal Legion.

Alexander Shaler became major general of the state militia in 1867, commanding the first division.

Alexander Shaler was not convicted in two trials, because in both cases the jury could not reach agreement.

Alexander Shaler served as President of the Soldiers' Business Messenger and Dispatch Company incorporated in 1867 which helped infirmed vets in good standing and orphans of vets lost during the war find employment as trusted messengers in New York City.

Alexander Shaler is credited with being a founder of the National Rifle Association, serving as a director and its president in 1876.

Alexander Shaler served as president of the Automatic Signal Telegraph Company, where his tenure was stormy.

Alexander Shaler moved to Ridgefield, New Jersey, possibly to escape past disputes, though he maintained a residence in New York City, at 126 Riverside Drive.

Alexander Shaler served as Mayor of Ridgefield, New Jersey, from 1899 to 1901.

Alexander Shaler died at his New York home on December 28,1911.

Alexander Shaler was buried in Ridgefield in the cemetery of the Dutch Reformed Church in the English Neighborhood.

Major Alexander Shaler died in 1902 at age 39 two weeks after his back was broken when a subway tunnel collapsed on him.