Silas Washington Alexander

In 1860, going by Washington, he was a 33 year old wagon maker living, and probably in business with, his twin brother John at Charlotte in Mecklenburg County, NC. He enlisted at Ranalesburg, NC on 17 July 1861 and mustered as a Private in Company B of the 3rd North Carolina Infantry on 31 August. The regiment was re-designated the 13th North Carolina Infantry on 14 November 1861. He was elected 2nd Lieutenant on 26 April 1862 during the army reorganization.

He was in command of his company in Maryland, but his commanding officer afterward wrote of him

... Lt Alexander is incompetent ... in the fight of Sunday the 14th September [at Fox's Gap on South Mountain ] & subsequently in the face of the Enemy [at Sharpsburg?] he did not behave with becoming coolness & courage ...

He resigned his commission for reasons of health on 23 September and it was accepted on 4 October 1862.

By 1880 he was a wheelwright in Mecklenburg County, NC.

His service from Moore's Roster 1 and his Compiled Service Records,2 online from fold3. The quote above from Lieutenant Colonel Ruffin's 23 September endorsement to Alexander's resignation letter. Personal details from family genealogists and the US Census of 1860 & 1880. His gravesite is on Findagrave.

He married Sarah Louvania Taylor (1849-1925) in February 1870 and they had 2 daughters.

12/22/1826; Mecklenburg County, NC

03/14/1891; Mecklenburg County, NC; burial in Sharon Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Charlotte, NC