Orange was commissioned to recruit a Cavalry outfit in Albany in 1862. Shortly thereafter, he assisted in the recruiting process for a company in the 136th New York Volunteer Infantry in Geneseo, N. Y. This company was derived from the 30th Senatorial District of: Livingston, Allegheny, and Wyoming Counties of New York.
Orange Sackett enlisted in the 136th New York Infantry Volunteers in August of 1862. He originally served as quartermaster then commissioned as First Lieutenant. He aspired to the rank of Captain in charge of Company G. The 136th New York left from Camp Williams at Portage on October 2, 1862. Captain Orange Sackett fought in all the major battles with the 136th New York, such as: Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. The Chattanooga Tennessee battles: Wauhatchie, Lookout Mt., Missionary Ridge and Knoxville, were parts of his battle history. Also he participated in the Atlanta campaign, as well as their march through Savanna. The conflict at Bentonville, North Carolina was the last battle for Captain Orange Sackett and the 136th New York Infantry Volunteers. He returned to Avon, NY, and was mustered out in June of 1865. His
Company started with 100 soldiers, only 44 of them returned.
Orange Sackett owned and operated one of Avon's largest and most famous hostelries, Knickerbocker Hall at Avon Springs.
In 1867, he married Cornelia U. VanZandt in 1867. They had two sons, William V. Sackett and John S. Sackett.
In 1875 Orange Sackett was appointed to a committee of five, to take charge of the purchase and erection of a soldiers monument in Avon. This statue still stands in the village park circle.
President Harrison appointed Orange Sackett postmaster of Avon in January of 1892. He continued his service up to and during WWI and served as Deputy Postmaster until his ill health forced him to retire.
Other posts/positions that Orange held during his lifetime are: Village Trustee and Clerk, School Trustee, Chief Engineer of the Avon Fire Department and Chairman of the Fire Board. Orange Sackett was an active and prominent member of the GAR and of the Avon Springs Lodge No. 570, F. and A. M.
Captain Sackett died December 16, 1925 at the age of 88 and is buried in the Avon Cemetery.
This photo was taken circa 1917 in his 80s, with his Civil War Veteran's Metal.
