Biography of

Alexander Pearce, Co D

Lieutenant and later Captain Alexander Pearce of Company D was born on February 1, 1828 in Hillsboro, Highland County, Ohio as the oldest son of James M. Pearce. On October 28, 1857, he married Amanda Ward. Together, they had seven children although two of the children did not live to reach their fifth birthday.

Alexander Pearce was a member of the original 18th Ohio which was enlisted for a period of 3 months. At the end of their time in the service, many of the men chose to go to other units since their skills were needed to train the new recruits. Alexander chose to remain with the unit and enlisted for 3 years. He was made a 2nd Lieutenant on the 24th of April, 1861 and was promoted to Captain on September 18, 1862. He was to remain with the unit through the engagements at Stones River, Davis Crossroads, Chickamauga, as well as the breakout of the siege of Chattanooga. He was mustered out of the service with the other surviving members of the 18th who chose not to re-enlist on November 9, 1864 at Camp Chase, Ohio.

After the war, he became interested in politics. Offices held were as Justice of the Peace and County Recorder for Vinton County, Ohio.

(Information provided by Ken Wiltz.)