1st Lt. James Washington Pearce was born 19 February 1826, in Camden County, Georgia and joined the 6th Florida Infantry Battalion in February 1863, when he was 36 years old (actually almost 37) and was commissioned as a 3rd Lieutenant when he enlisted at Lake City, Columbia County, Florida.
David Pearce (see below) believes his great grandfather was on detached service at the time of the Battle of Olustee, guarding the Suwanee River bridge, and therefore missed the battle. If so, he more than made up for it later as the 6th Florida Infantry Battalion was later consolidated with other independent companies of Florida infantry to form the 9th Florida Infantry Regiment on 28 April 1864, when it was sent to serve in the Petersburg, Virginia area. Lieutenant Pearce served with the unit until his death on 7 April 1865.
Lieutenant Pearce was killed in action at Farmville, Virginia on 7 April 1865. He was 39 years old. Lieutenant Pearce was mourned by his wife, Margaret Jane (neé Williams), and four children, one daughter and three sons, one of whom was named David.
James Washington Pearce had five brothers. Three of them also died as a result of service in this war.
6th Florida Infantry Battalion
Battle of Olustee home page
http://battleofolustee.org/