Edwin C. Peirson was born in Waterloo, New York, and lived there as a farmer. He enlisted in Company G, 85th New York Infantry Regiment on October 29, 1861 and reenlisted in December 1863 at Plymouth, North Carolina as a "Veteran Volunteer." Most of his service was in the vicinity of Fort Monroe, Virginia, and Plymouth, North Carolina. His duty consisted largely of garrison duty, scouting and skirmishing, with relatively little combat and no participation in major battles. He became orderly sergeant of Company G, 85th New York Infantry Regiment, and in September 1863 received a commission as lieutenant. But, before he could be mustered as lieutenant, he was captured at Plymouth, North Carolina, April 20, 1864 and held prisoner until March 7, 1865 when he escaped from prison at Charleston, South Carolina. Peirson had a brother, Albert, who was wounded while serving in another regiment.
From the description of Edwin C. Peirson papers, 1851-1906 (bulk 1861-1865) [microform]. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 82231777
