He Didn’t Lead from Behind

Col. Alonzo Alden enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1861 in the 169th New York Volunteers. He served in 29 battles and engagements during the Civil War. He was wounded at Edenton Road on April 24, 1863, at Cold Harbor on June 1, 1864, and at Fort Fisher on January 16, 1865. Alonzo was discharged on August 6, 1865, at the Albany barracks. By then a brevet brigadier general, he had served four years, three months and 18 days. After the war, Alonzo was appointed Post Master of Troy, N.Y. by Presidents Johnson and Grant, from 1867 until 1873.