Alfred L. Pearson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alfred L. Pearson
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| Born | December 28, 1838 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| Died | January 6, 1903 (aged 64) Sewickley, Pennsylvania |
| Place of burial |
Allegheny Cemetery, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army Pennsylvania National Guard |
| Years of service | 1862 - 1865 (Army) 1870 - 1878 (National Guard) |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Major General (USA)Major General (Pennsylvania National Guard) |
| Unit | 155th Pennsylvania Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War • Battle of Lewis's Farm |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Alfred Lawrence Pearson (born December 28, 1838 – died January 6, 1903) was a brave soldier and a lawyer. He served as a general in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He earned the highest military award in the U.S., the Medal of Honor. This award was given for his heroic actions during the Battle of Lewis's Farm.
Contents
Alfred Pearson's Life Story
Early Life and Joining the Army
Alfred Pearson was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He studied law at Meadville College and Jefferson College. He became a lawyer in January 1862. However, he worked as a lawyer for only a few months. He then decided to join the army.
He joined the 155th Pennsylvania Infantry on April 2, 1862. By August, he became a captain. Over the next few years, he was part of all his regiment's missions. He also received several promotions. He became a major in December 1862. Then, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel in July 1863. By August 1863, he became a colonel.
In December 1864, President Abraham Lincoln nominated Pearson. He was chosen to become a brigadier general. The U.S. Senate approved this in February 1865.
Heroic Actions and the Medal of Honor
On March 29, 1865, the war was almost over. Pearson fought in the Battle of Lewis's Farm in Virginia. During this battle, a Union group was forced back. They faced heavy fire from the Confederate side.
Pearson quickly gathered his regiment. He then led a strong attack. His leadership helped them win back the lost ground. For his bravery that day, he received the Medal of Honor. This special award was given to him many years later, in September 1897.
In the last months of his army service, he led different brigades. He was officially discharged from the Army in June 1865. In January 1866, President Andrew Johnson nominated him again. This time, he was chosen to become a major general. The U.S. Senate confirmed this in March 1866.
Life After the War
After the war, Pearson went back to Pittsburgh. He started working as a lawyer again. In October 1868, he was elected as the district attorney for Allegheny County. He served in this role until health issues made him retire from law. Later, he worked as a county gas inspector.
Pearson also became a major general in the Pennsylvania National Guard in 1870. He was put in charge of the 6th Division. He served during the Great Railroad Strike of 1877. During this time, he helped keep order.
Helping Other Veterans
Pearson was very active in helping other veterans. For many years, he was a manager at the National Soldiers' Home. He also helped start the Grand Army of the Republic. This was a big group for Civil War veterans. He was the commander of its Pennsylvania branch.
He also helped organize another veterans' group. It was called the Union Veteran Legion. He was its first national commander. He was also a member of other important groups. These included the Military Order of the Loyal Legion and the Medal of Honor Legion.
Family and Passing
Alfred Pearson married Elizabeth Harwood Stewart. They had a son named Alfred Laurence Pearson. His son later became a successful businessman.
Alfred Lawrence Pearson passed away on January 6, 1903. He was 64 years old. He was buried at Allegheny Cemetery in Pittsburgh.
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Alfred Pearson
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