ALEXANDER OSIER -- 22nd INFANTRY and 2nd CAVALRYIN TWO REGIMENTS IN TWO YEARS - Even though he was only 15 years old,Alexander Osier (Ozier, Auger) was allowed to enlist in the 22ndInfantry to serve for 2 years, with the permission of his widowedfather, Joseph. On November 30, 1861, he was mustered in as a fifer. Bythe time he joined his regiment with the Army of Potomac at Upton'sHill, which today is part of Arlington VA, they had been encamped therefor about 6 months. An infusion of recruits was needed to top up thenumbers of the regiment because disease was rife on the south shore ofthe Potomac, and many men died or been sent home for disability.Alexander and 5 other men from the Keeseville area enlisted thatNovember.The 22nd had a small engagement at Centerville, VA, and were thenimmediately ordered to Falmouth, VA, near Fredericksburg, about 50 milesto the south. During that 2-day battle in April, 10 men went missing.Alexander was reduced to ranks and was soon discharged for disabilitybefore they were sent to Fredericksburg.In August he enlisted in the 2nd Cavalry giving his occupation asostler. The Muster Roll Abstract says he was 5' 4" tall with blue eyes,light hair and a fair complexion. No discharge date was given. Afterthat, Alexander seems to disappear in military history -- no pension,not in the 1890 Schedules, no Grand Army of the Republic Membership, noDraft Registration, no headstone record, no POW records.Did he come back to Essex County and live under the radar for the restof his life? Does anyone have any more information?
