A printer by occupation, Alvan enlisted in the Civil War on 21 September, 1864 and was commissioned Captain, Company L, 31st Maine Infantry on 4 October 1864. He mustered out on 16 July 1865 in Arlington, Virginia. He lived in Washington DC after he left the army and spent time in California as a land speculator after Martha died in 1875. He was an author and inventor, writing several articles and receiving numerous patents, including one for a steam water elevator in 1873.
He died at a home for disabled soldiers in Virginia in 1900 and was originally buried in Hampton National Cemetery. In October 1902, at the request of relatives, he was disinterred and reinterred in Arlington National Cemetery, Lot 1348. Both his wives, Martha Chenery Brock (1832-1875) and Amanda Perham Brock are buried with him.
A printer by occupation, Alvan enlisted in the Civil War on 21 September, 1864 and was commissioned Captain, Company L, 31st Maine Infantry on 4 October 1864. He mustered out on 16 July 1865 in Arlington, Virginia. He lived in Washington DC after he left the army and spent time in California as a land speculator after Martha died in 1875. He was an author and inventor, writing several articles and receiving numerous patents, including one for a steam water elevator in 1873.
He died at a home for disabled soldiers in Virginia in 1900 and was originally buried in Hampton National Cemetery. In October 1902, at the request of relatives, he was disinterred and reinterred in Arlington National Cemetery, Lot 1348. Both his wives, Martha Chenery Brock (1832-1875) and Amanda Perham Brock are buried with him.