Egbert Ludovicus Viele was born on June 17, 1825, in Waterford, New York, to John and Kathlyne. His father was a New York state senator. Viele graduated from the Albany Academy before enrolling at the United States Military Academy. He graduated in July 1847 and received a commission as a brevet 2^nd lieutenant in the 2^nd United States Infantry. He took part in the Mexican-American War. He was promoted to 1^st lieutenant in October 1850, and he resigned from the army in 1853.

 

He married Teresa Griffin on June 3, 1850, and they had at least five children: Kathlyne, born around 1853; Herman, born around 1856; Teresa, born around 1860; Egbert, born around 1863; and Emily, born around 1865. He earned a living as a civil engineer, and he served as the chief topographical engineer for the state of New Jersey and engineer-in-chief of New York City’s Central Park.

 

He returned to the army when the Civil War erupted. In April 1861, he served as captain of engineers in the 7^th New York Militia Infantry. Then, on August 17, 1861, he received a commission as brigadier general. He took part in the Port Royal expedition and the siege of Fort Pulaski, and he served as military governor of Norfolk, Virginia in 1862. He resigned in October 1863 and resumed his work as a civil engineer.

 

In the late 1860s, he served as the chief engineer for the Pittsburgh, Buffalo, and Rochester Railroad. By 1870, he owned $30,000 of real estate and $5,000 of personal property. He got divorced around 1872, and he later married Juliette Dana. In the early 1880s, he served as commissioner of parks for New York City. He supported the Democratic Party, and he served in Congress from 1885 until 1887. He died in New York City on April 22, 1902.

 

Image: Egbert L. Viele (courtesy Wikicommons)

SOURCES