ALEXANDER C. GETTY, sixth child of James and Matilda Getty, was born February 16, 1846, in the Townland of Dreen, County Antrim, Ireland. He was six years old when he came with the rest of his family to America. He helped his father clear the farm land, and as soon as he was big enough, he started an apprenticeship in the blacksmith trade.

On March 19, 1864, he volunteered at Wright Township, Hillsdale County, to serve as a soldier in the Army of The United States of America. He was described as 18 years old, 5 feet 10 inches high, with hazel eyes, brown hair, and light complexion. He gave his occupation as blacksmith.

A blacksmith was a tradesman, an artist in his own right. In addition to shoeing horses, he manufactured parts from iron and wood to be used on wagons and machinery. During the Civil War he was very much a part of the army.

Alexander was mustered in at Detroit on April 16, 1864, into Co. B of the 6th. Regiment of Heavy Artillery of Michigan. He and his brother, William, were both involved in the siege of Fort Morgan, Alabama.

It was during this siege that he was wounded and as a result of those wounds, contracted meningitis. He died in the regimental hospital at Mobile Point, Alabama, on November 5, 1864.

Alexander was eighteen years old when he enlisted, and still only eighteen when he fought in one of the major battles of the Civil War. He was only a boy when he died, never to see his home and family again.

On the following page is the Declaration of Recruit, which shows that Alexander Getty is volunteering for a term of three years in the Union Army. This was filled out in Detroit on March 19, 1864, and signed by Alexander Getty.