Abner Doubleday - Early Life:
Born at Ballston Spa, NY on June 26, 1819, Abner Doubleday was the son of Representative Ulysses F. Doubleday. Educated locally, Doubleday trained as a surveyor and civil engineer. After two years of private practice, Doubleday received an appointment to the US Military Academy at West Point. An average student, he graduated in 1842, ranked 24th in a class of 56. Assigned to the 3rd US Artillery, Doubleday served in a number of coastal fortifications until the outbreak of the Mexican-American War in 1846.
Transferred to the 1st US Artillery, he joined Major General Zachary Taylor's army in Texas.
http://www.biography.com/people/abner-doubleday-9277900
