Hiram Iddings Bearss, son of Frank W. and Desdemona (Iddings) Bearss, was born in Peru, Indiana April 13, 1875. Hiram graduated from Peru High School , DePauw University, and received a degree from Norwich Military Academy, Northfield Vermont. While at Norwich, only weighing 138 pounds, he played football against a team from Burlington. After three minutes of play Burlington refused to go on unless Bearss was removed. They said he was too rough.
Following graduation from military school, General Bearss entered the Marine Corps as an enlisted man, serving through the Spanish-American war in that rank. He received a commission as second lieutenant in 1899. Thoughout his career he served in the Boxer rebellion, the Haiti uprising, the Mexican invasion and the Phillipine Islands. He received the nickname "Hiking Hiram" while leading the campaign in the Phillipines. At Samar it was General Bearss who single-handed captured the notorious bandit Joaquin. He was recommended for "Brevet-Major, or Medal or both" for distinguished gallantry in action.
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