KARL JAMES VAN VALKENBURGH (Br 1)

Karl James VAN VALKENBURGH, the son of Glenn M. and Elizabeth (Grasmuck) VAN VALKENBURGH, was born on November 18, 1927 in New York City, and grew up in Forest Hills, Long Island and Westchester Co., New York. He attended public schools; graduated from Cornell University in New York State in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Economics.

As a child he spent summers on the farm of his grandfather, James E. VALKENBURGH, in Spruceton, New York and at the family summer home in Shandaken, New York.

He served as a Private in the Infantry in the Army of Occupation in Germany and Austria from 1945-1947. After graduating from Cornell, he was re-called to active duty, and served with the 780th Field Artillery Battalion in Korea in 1952 and 1953. There he became Battalion Adjutant, was promoted to lst Lieutenant, and was awarded the Bronze Star.

On his return to civilian life he was employed in Yonkers, New York by the Travelers Insurance Company, as a claims adjuster. Later he was transferred to the home office in Hartford, Connnecticut, where he assumed administrative duties. He spent 25 years with the Travelers. Upon leaving he sold residential real estate for several years before finally retiring from active employment.

Karl's son, Glenn, and his wife, Denise, live in Milford, Ohio. His daughter, Elizabeth, and her husband, Michael Wess, live in Lawrence-burg, Indiana with their two small children, Megan and Britton.

His hobbies are book collecting, fly fishing and photography. He was the founder and first president of the Farmington River Angler's Association.

Karl and his wife, Johanna (Nash), have lived in Granby, Connecticut for many years. In the past he served the town as a Selectman and as Chairman of the Conservation Commission. They both still engage in volunteer activities. They spend summers at their cabin at the Moose Pond Club in the Adirondacks, where he is Secretary and Director.