Alexander Chambers

CHAMBERS, Alexander, soldier, b. in New York state about 1832. He was graduated at the U. S. military academy in 1853, and made second lieutenant of infantry. He served first in garrison at Fort Columbus, N. Y., in 1853-'4, and on frontier and other duty until 3 March, 1855, when he was promoted second lieutenant, took part in hostilities in Florida against the Seminoles, 1856-'7, was promoted first lieutenant, 19 Jan., 1859, and participated in the march to New Mexico in 1860. He became captain in the 18th infantry, 14 May, 1861, and colonel of the 16th Iowa volunteers, 24 March, 1862; served in the Tennessee and Mississippi campaign, 4 April to 19 Sept., 1862, having been twice wounded in the battle of Shiloh, and was promoted brevet major 7 April for his meritorious services during that action. He was present at the siege of Corinth, and brevetted lieutenant-colonel, 19 Sept, 1862, for gallant conduct at the battle of Iuka. where he was wounded severely; took part in the Vicksburg campaign, and was promoted brevet colonel, 4 July, 1863, for meritorious services during the siege; was a brigadier-general of volunteers, 11 Aug., 1863, and was in garrison at Vicksburg from August, 1863, till 1 Feb., 1864, when he participated in Gen. Sherman's march to Meridian. He was at Omaha as judge-advocate of the district of Nebraska from January till 7 June, 1866, and in the department of the Platte from 7 June, 1866, till transferred to the 27th infantry, 21 Sept., 1866. On 5 March, 1867, he became major of the 22d infantry.

SOURCE: James Grant Wilson & John Fiske, Editors, Appleton's Cyclopædia Of American Biography, Volume 1, p. 566