FANNING, Alexander 13. W., soldier, born in Massachusetts in 1788; died in Cincinnati, Ohio, 18 August 1846. He was graduated at the U. S. military academy in 1812, and immediately went into service on the Niagara frontier, being engaged in the capture of York (now Toronto), Canada, 27 April 1813, where he was severely wounded by the explosion of the enemy's magazine. He took part in the defense of Sackett's Harbor, four weeks later, and in November following distinguished himself in the battle of French Creek, when the British flotilla was repulsed. For his bravery in the defense of Fort Erie when besieged by the British forces from 13 August till 17 September he was brevetted major. He was then transferred to the Florida frontier and served there till 1819, participating in Jackson's campaign against the Seminole Indians in 1817'18, and in the capture of St. Mark's, 7 April 1818, and was the provost marshal at the execution of Arbuthnot and Ambrister, British subjects, on 29 April 1818. He was in command in St. Mark's in 1818'19, and was then transferred to Fort Gadsden.

On the reorganization of the army in 1821, he was appointed captain in the 2d artillery, and served in the garrison at Detroit in 1822'3, Fort Mackinaw, Michigan, in 1823, and Fort Columbus in 1824, after which he was appointed acting major of the artillery school at Fortress Monroe, Virginia. On 15 August 1824, he received a brevet lieutenant colonelcy, and became major on 3 November 1832. He took part in the war against the Seminole Indians in 1835'9, was brevetted colonel, 31 December 1835, and became lieutenant colonel of the 4th artillery, 16 September 1838. During the Canada border disturbances in 1840'1 he was on the frontier, after which he was on recruiting service in the western department.