[1] James Lyman Van Buren was a cousin of President Martin Van Buren who died near the beginning or midway point through the American Civil War on July 24, 1862.
When the war began, James Lyman Van Buren entered the Union Army as a lieutenant for the New York volunteers.
He acted as signal officer for General John G. Foster at the battles of Roanoke Island and New Bern.
He then served in the East Tennessee campaign, receiving promotions to brevet lieutenant-colonel and colonel.
In 1864, he served with Burnside and the Army of the Potomac to participate in Grant's campaign against Richmond.