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John Van Bueren was born on the 19th day of November, 1833, in the city of Dordrecht, Holland. He was the son of Daniel Van Bueren and Martina P. Anker, who emigrated to America with him in the year 1848. Having a desire for a seafaring life, he left home at the age of twenty years, and visited Holland, the East Indies and other countries. He returned home after an absence of three years. During his absence, his letters were always marked by a great affection for his relatives at home. After his return and before his enlistment, he regularly attended the Holland Dutch Reformed Church of Albany, and was a member of the Bible class. Had he not been called from home by the war, he would undoubtetlly have become a member of the church.
The Rev. Mr. Huboldt, then pastor of the church, had great confidence in John, and deeply felt his loss from the city. At the breaking out of the war, John exhibited an ardent patriotism, and when advised not to go into the army, he replied that his heart was with his adopted country, and he was willing to offer up his life, if necessary, to sustain it. When advised by his mother not to go, he answered: "Mother, you will be proud of me when I return home." He enlisted on the 18th of May, 1861, in Capt. Gridley's Company A, Eighteenth New York Volunteer Infantry. He participated in all the battles that his regiment was engaged in under Gen. G. B. McClellan, and was universally beloved and respected in his company as a sincere friend and brave soldier.
On the 14th day of September, 1862, at the battle of South Mountain, Maryland, while making a charge with his regiment, he was shot through the head, and almost instantly killed. He did not speak after receiving his wound. He was buried by his comrades on the farm of Mr. Jacob Goodman, near the village of Barketville, Md.
At the time of John's death, his father and brother had just returned from a three months' service in the Twenty-fifth N. Y. Militia.
Immediately upon hearing of his death, his father proceeded to the battle ground, but was unable to find the grave. It was, however, afterwards found by his brother, who was then a member of the Forty-third New York Volunteers. The head-board contained the following inscription, roughly carved by some friendly hand:
