District News

Civil War doctor educated in Canajoharie

 

October, 2010

 

Dr. Albert Vander Veer, the Dean of Albany Medical College from 1895-1904, and Civil War surgeon with the 66th Regiment, New York Volunteers, started his journey in Canajoharie.

According to a note from the archives at Albany Medical Center, Vander Veer was born in the town of Root, NY, near Canajoharie in 1841. He was educated in Canajoharie public schools and worked in a pharmacy as a boy.

He went on to receive his medical degree from Columbian College in the District of Columbia (now George Washington University), before serving in the Civil War. During the war, he was present at Appomattox and at the meeting between Grant and Lee. In 1869, he became professor of anatomy at Albany Medical College, before becoming professor of surgery in 1876 and dean in 1896.

His many other contributions included serving as regent of the University of the State of New York, and serving as the president of the American Association of Obstetricians, Gynecologists and Abdominal Surgeon. He was also president of the American Medical Association.