He was 35 years old when he enlisted in 1864 (3). He was born in Philadelphia Pennsylvania (3).
When he was enlisted, he was a jeweler (3).
He was 5 feet 6 inches tall, had a dark complexion, blue eyes, and black hair (3).
He enlisted and was mustered into service, as a recruit, for three years, on 5 February 1864, at Philadelphia Pennsylvania (1, 3). He was enlisted by Lieutenant Shipley, and was mustered in by Lieutenant Hilderburn (3). He served in company E (1).
He was detailed for duty in the provost guard at brigade headquarters on 4 July 1864 (4, 5, 6).
He was killed in action on 21 August 1864 (1), while on a skirmish line, acting as a safe guard on the Weldon Rail Road, in Virginia (2, 3). He was shot through the head (3).
On 26 January 1865, company E published resolutions mourning his death (and fifteen others), and sympathizing with their families (8).
On 4 November 1864, his widow, Kate Earnest, applied successfully for a pension (7).
On 24 July 1866, his minor dependent, Kate Graham, applied successfully for a pension (7).
Gary Steiner is researching Alexander Osborne Earnest. Contact him at gary2001@randarak.com.
1 Bates, Samuel Penniman. History of Pennsylvania volunteers, 1861-5. Harrisburg: B. Singerly, state printer, 1869-71. 5 volumes. 'Ninety-first regiment', volume 3, pages 186-233. (In the roster)
2 list of deaths, company E
3 descriptive roll, company E, entry 134 (Alexander O Earnest)
4 special order 61, headquarters, 91st Pennsylvania Infantry, 4 July 1864
5 letter, Sellers to Bennett, 4 July 1864
6 special order 61, HQ 91st PA, 4 July 1864
7 pension index, by name (Alexander O Earnest)
8 'Headquarters company E', Philadelphia Inquirer 26 January 1865 page 5 (Alexander O Earnest)
[I did not find an entry for him in the index on <www.ancestry.com> to the 1890 veteran's census (searched May 2007)]
