Alexander J. Swaney, the son of James A. Swaney and Ruth Moser, was born 25 Apr 1840, in Smithfield, Fayette County, Pa. His siblings were Elizabeth E., Mary Jane, Cynthia Ann, Earsela, and John Thomas.

     Alexander enlisted as a Private in Company A, 1st West Virginia Volunteer Cavalry Regiment during the Civil War and served until 31 December 1864, when he mustered out with his company at Wheeling, W. Va. Alexander served with Joseph Paul LEWIS in the same company. It is likely that Alexander introduced his daughter, Sara Ellen SWANEY, to Joseph's son, James Marshall LEWIS, resulting in their marriage.

     The wife of Alexander J. Swaney was Sophia Mosier, the daughter of Daniel and Sophia Mosier. The marriage took place 31 Jan 1865, at Springhill Township, Pa. Their children were Minnie H. (Melissa), James R., Mary Olive, Ruth Ann (Russie), Ewing W., Sarah Ellen, Lydie Alverdie, Frank Everhart, Winfield W., and Omer W.

     Alexander J. Swaney died 27 Oct 1918 at Oliphant Furnace, Fayette County, Pa.; he was buried 29 Oct 1918, at Fairchance, Fayette County, Pa. His wife died 1 Jan 1929, at the home of their daughter, Lydia, in Venetia, Pa.

At age 21, this soldier enlisted at Morgantown on 14 Sep 1861 and mustered in at Grafton the same day. He is described as being 5 feet 11 inches tall, with dark complexion, hazel eyes and dark hair. On 2 Aug 1862, he was detached as an orderly to General Buford, who was in the following battles: Second Battle of Bull Run, Battle of South Mountain, Battle of Brandy Station, Battle of Upperville, Battle of Gettysburg, Battle of Boonsboro, Battle of Funkstown, Battle of Williamsport, Bristoe Campaign.

On 29 Nov 1864, Captain S. B. Howe applied for a pass for Private Swaney, "that he may join his company which is now at Buchannon, W. Va., that he may be mustered out his term of service having expired... " Captain Howe's letter indicates that following General Buford's death, possibly from typhoid on 16 Dec 1863, Swaney was retained by the general who replaced Buford. He was discharged at Wheeling 6 Jan 1865.