Our Irish Ancestors in the American Civil War
With the 150th anniversary of the battle at Gettysburg upon us, I was thinking about how many (if not most) Irish-Americans would have at least one ancestor who fought in the War Between the States. Speaking personally, I know of at least two ancestors who were involved therein. Interestingly enough, however, I am not yet certain of whether they fought with the Union or Confederacy. This is because they lived in Kentucky -- a key border state in which some chose to fight for the north, and some for the south.
My father's people settled into the deep ravines of eastern Kentucky where they worked as coal miners for many consecutive generations. Apparently, some left the mines to fight in the Civil War, but for which side I do not yet know. There were perhaps as many "brother against brother" scenarios coming from Kentucky as anywhere in the country. I hope to get to the bottom of the mystery and know for certain one day.
So, how about you? Do you have Irish-American ancestors who fought in the American Civil War? I'd be interested to hear what you know about them. What were their names? Where did they fight? What regiments were they in? Do you have any photos / letters from their time on the battlefields? Please leave a comment below and tell us everything you know. It's fascinating to hear the stories of other Wild Geese and how they eventually all weave together into this common experience.
Also, if you haven't checked out this great page of compiled articles and videos about Gettysburg from the pages of this site yet, click the link below.
The Irish at Gettysburg: Battling to Determine America's Future
Jack Friery
I visited Gettysburg on Wednesday, July 3, 2013, the 150th anniversary of the third day of the Battle of Gettysburg. I wanted to pay homage to my great-grandfather, Lawrence Friery, an Irish immigrant who served with the 88th NYVI, part of the Irish Brigade. The Irish Brigade fought in the bloody engagement of The Wheatfield on the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg.
Jul 10, 2013
Christopher Matt
My gr-gr-grandfather served in the 18th Conn Vol Infantry in the Shenandoah Valley. He too was an Irish immigrant. He was captured at Winchester, Va in 1863, and exchanged. Following year, he fought at New Market. A month later, he was wounded at Piedmont, Va (gunshot wound to the leg) and shortly after taken prisoner. He spent almost six months in Andersonville prison, and survived. Lived many more years as an invalid back in Connecticut. He was a tough guy.
Jan 22, 2014
Ann L Madden
Michael McMahon-
Enlistment Date: 17 July 1862
Distinguished Service: DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
Side Served: Union
State Served: Connecticut
Unit Numbers: 84 84
Service Record: Enlisted as a Private on 17 July 1862
Enlisted in Company F, 14th Infantry Regiment Connecticut on 23 August 1862.
Promoted to Full Corporal on 09 February 1863
Wounded on 03 May 1863 at Chancellorsville, VA
Promoted to Full Private on 25 October 1863 ((Sick), Reduced to ranks)
POW on 08 May 1864 at Ellis Ford, VA (Paroled)
Paroled on 02 March 1865
Mustered out Company F, 14th Infantry Regiment Connecticut on 31 May 1865
Michael's brother--Matthew McMahon:
Served Civil War-Enlisted Inf G. Co 1st Regiment CT
Mustered out at New Haven CT 07/31/1861 as Private, enlisted 04/20/1861
Mary McCarthy McMahon applied for an recieved his pension in 1905, he started receiving his pension in 1898. He attained Sergeant rank.
He deserted 11/12/1864, put under house arrest with his brother Patrick. They returned on 11/29/1864
Service record shows Distinguished Service, Union Side. Unit #'s 90/90
Patrick McMahon--my great great grandfather, brother to Michael & Matthew
Served US Army from 04/17/1861 to 08/21/1865 when the Civil War ended. He was discharged in New Haven CT. While stationed at Fort Richmond NY he deserted with his brother Matthew, November 1864. They were put under house arrest when they returned and later released. Patrick appealed the charge of disertion as his military record indicates "On Dec. 21, 1865 the charge of desertion is removed and wil be considered absent without authority." He and his spouse at the time Mary, received his pension, Patrick started collecting his pension, 1898. Served 6th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry.
A 4th brother John also served but have not located information on him just yet!
Mar 14, 2014