CLASS OF 1862

Clarence Dyer Gates was born in Cambridge, Vt., September 23, 1839, and died in Burlington, Vt., June 25, 1917. His parents were Gardner and Clara (Dyer) Gates.

He prepared for college at New Hampton Institution, Fairfax, Vt., and at Fort Edward (N. Y.) Institute. He left college at the close of sophomore year.

In May, 1861, he enlisted in an Illinois regiment, which was disbanded in the following August. September 1, 1862, he again enlisted, this time in the First Vermont Cavalry, of which he was made adjutant October 4. He was aide on Gen. Farnsworth's staff when the latter was killed at the battle of Gettysburg. He was appointed aide on the staff of Gen. Custer, to date from September 14, 1863, but was taken prisoner at the battle of Culpepper, September 13, and was a prisoner until exchanged in May, 1864. He then remained with his regiment until it was mustered out, November 18, 1864. As a prisoner he was confined in Libby and Belle Isle prisons.

In 1865-6 he was inspector and deputy collector of customs for the district of Vermont. In 1867-8 he was colonel and aide-de-camp on the staff of Governor Page of Vermont, whence the title of colonel, which he always retained. For many years from 1869 he was engaged in mercantile business in his native town.

He was a member of the Grand Army post at Cambridge, which he organized, and of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion.

Colonel Gates was married in 1860 to Frances C. VanArnam of Troy, N. Y., who died in 1906. They had four daughters.