2021 supplement to online U.S. Civil War database, Clare-born soldiers

Genealogy, Archaeology, History, Heritage & Folklore

Moderators: Clare Support, Clare Past Mod

Post Reply
smcarberry
Posts: 1281
Joined: Fri Mar 30, 2007 4:31 pm
Location: USA

2021 supplement to online U.S. Civil War database, Clare-born soldiers

Post by smcarberry » Thu Feb 04, 2021 3:03 pm

The Library has faithfully uploaded (a few punctuation errors, my doing) the latest additions to a database started a few years ago to memorialize the service of Clare-born men in the U.S. Civil War. This latest group includes two soldiers who repeatedly survived capture and time in Confederate prisons, a remarkable feat since such imprisonment could be a death sentence due to disease and malnutrition. The database resides in Donated Materials in the Genealogy section, under military records. The direct link is:
https://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/cocla ... il_war.htm

Here is the list of new entries, plus a few existing ones that now have supplemental information:

New to the database:
CURRIE (Curry), Andrew
HARTIGAN, John
KEARNEY, Michael
LEONARD, Thomas (of a KY unit, not the MA one in my posted query)
MAGENIS (McGuinness), Thomas
MALONEY, Michael
MARRINAN, Michael
MCCLEARY, Samuel
MCMAHAN (McMahon), James
MCMAHON, Martin (NY)
MCMAHON, Michael (Pennsylvania)
MULLIGAN, Luke
MULLEN (Mullins), Thomas
MULQUENY (Mulqueeney), Michael
O’BRIEN, Michael
O’BRIEN, William McMahon
RYAN, James F.
RYAN, John

Supplemented existing entries:
MALONEY, Michael
MCMAHON, Morton (now confirmed as Martin)
MCNAMARA, Daniel
O’NEILL, Patrick H.

s1nead
Posts: 93
Joined: Fri Aug 24, 2012 4:33 pm
Location: San Diego

Re: 2021 supplement to online U.S. Civil War database, Clare-born soldiers

Post by s1nead » Wed Feb 10, 2021 12:24 am

Thank you for adding my ancestor to this list.
Susan Reilly DeVore

https://ennistymon.blogspot.com/

Sduddy
Posts: 1826
Joined: Sun Sep 26, 2010 10:07 am

Re: 2021 supplement to online U.S. Civil War database, Clare-born soldiers

Post by Sduddy » Sun Feb 21, 2021 11:36 am

Hi Sharon,

I’ve been looking again at Soldiers of Liberty: A Study of Fenianism, 1858 – 1908, by Eva O Cathaoir (2018), and in particular at Appendix 1, which gives short biographical notes on those involved in the Fenian Movement in Munster and Kilkenny. I notice that a couple of those from Clare are described as having taken part in the Civil War:
(1)
Captain Michael O’Brien, 32, a native of Ennis, joined the Fenian Brotherhood in Chicago in 1859 and was one of its officers in 1863-4. A leader of the boot and shoemakers’ union, he served briefly in 67th Illinois Volunteers during the Civil War and featured on the Fenian roster of available officers.
Sharon, it’s possible that this Michael O’Brien is the Michael O’Brien on your recent list (above), but of course Michael O' Brien was a very common name. During the trials of the men who assembled at Drumcliffe near Ennis, on 5th March 1867, “Major O’Brien” is mentioned a few times as having given the orders. Eva O Cathaoir and Mathúin Mac Fheorais contributed an article, “The Republican Brotherhood in Clare 1858-71”, to Clare History and Society (2008), and that gives a further note (note 105) on Michael O’Brien:
'Major’ O’Brien has been tentatively identified as Capt. Michael O’Brien of Ennis, a shoemaker, held in Galway Jail, later in Mountjoy, who was released for America in March 1868. According to the informer Corydon, O’Brien had been appointed as a Fenian officer west of the Shannon; N.A.I., CSO/ICR II, p, 6B.
(2)
Thomas Healy, 32, a native of Clare, who had joined the Fenian Brotherhood in New Haven in 1864 and served in the 9th Connecticut Volunteers for three years during the Civil War.
(3)
Sgt Stephen Maloney, 35, a native of Tulla, served for five years on the frontier in the regular 8th US infantry and joined the Fenian Brotherhood in Utah in 1865
– it is not clear to me whether this man took part in the Civil War.
I think the ages given must be their ages upon arrest in 1867.

Sheila

smcarberry
Posts: 1281
Joined: Fri Mar 30, 2007 4:31 pm
Location: USA

Re: 2021 supplement to online U.S. Civil War database, Clare-born soldiers

Post by smcarberry » Mon Feb 22, 2021 10:15 am

Sheila, you are right on the mark with these Fenian officers, who were also officers during the U.S. Civil War (O'Brien & Healy), and also as to Stephen Maloney, not in that war but whose service on the frontier was like during conflicts with Native Americans in the 1860s. I happen to have on hand excellent sources for both Illinois and Connecticut, so I already have O'Brien and Healy ready for inclusion in the next supplement to the Library's database. Since I just did one of those, it will be a while before another is submitted, but I am very happy to have these. The impetus for doing the database was my constantly seeing references to Civil War service in such scattered places, knowing that a central list would help consolidate the data. People sending in the references that they find are more eyes out there to make the Library's list a comprehensive one.

BTW there are 21 other men named Michael O'Brien in Civil War units from Illinois, so your providing that the highest ranking one as being from Ennis is the only way to identify the right one (and it does match his unit record exactly). Thomas Healy was not actually from New Haven city but from a nearby small town; a little census work will show that he is the sole candidate for the man whose description you sent, no problem. Two great additions, thanks so much. Thanks also for the full book citation for your source, so I don't have to ask for it.

Sduddy
Posts: 1826
Joined: Sun Sep 26, 2010 10:07 am

Re: 2021 supplement to online U.S. Civil War database, Clare-born soldiers

Post by Sduddy » Mon Apr 19, 2021 11:39 am

Hi Sharon

This Michael Scanlan you already have, but you have inserted "New Quay ?" after "New Key". This notice in The Clare Freeman of Sat 26 May 1877 confirms that it is New Quay:
The death is announced at South Boston, on the 30th ult. of Major Michael Scanlan, Massachusetts, 90th Volunteers, a native of New Quay, county Clare, who emigrated in 1841.

Sheila

smcarberry
Posts: 1281
Joined: Fri Mar 30, 2007 4:31 pm
Location: USA

Re: 2021 supplement to online U.S. Civil War database, Clare-born soldiers

Post by smcarberry » Tue Apr 20, 2021 8:10 am

Thanks very much, Sheila. Good sharp eyes you have and taking time to note that -- very valued.

Sduddy
Posts: 1826
Joined: Sun Sep 26, 2010 10:07 am

Re: 2021 supplement to online U.S. Civil War database, Clare-born soldiers

Post by Sduddy » Mon May 17, 2021 9:18 am

Hi Sharon,

This Michael Breen from Cooraclare seems to have been a doctor with the army during the Civil War, but maybe not officially. (He also gets a mention In my most recent posting (6 May 2021) on the topic of Six County Clare Fenians remembered by John Devoy: http://www.ourlibrary.ca/phpbb2/viewtop ... 913#p13913 ) :

Clare Freeman, Wed 16 Aug 1882:
Some time ago we published in these columns the record of the brilliant career of a Clare man, Dr Michael Breen, from Cooraclare. We regret to have to record his death. We copy the following from the New York Sun, July 29th, which says: - Dr Michael Breen, who was recently appointed by Mayor Low as a Member of the Brooklyn Board of Education, died last night at his residence at 59 South Third Street, Brooklyn, from an attack of cholera morbus, attributed to the fact that on Friday last while he was at Creemoor with the Sixty-ninth Regiment he drank freely of milk and ice water. The disease took a firm hold of him and rapidly diminished his vitality. Dr Breen was born in the County Clare, Ireland, was graduated at Queen’s College, Cork, and received a diploma as a physician from Edinburgh University. He was 43 years old and was Surgeon of the Sixty-ninth Regiment during the war.
Clare Freeman, Wed 23 Aug 1882:
Death of a distinguished Clare Man in the United States. In last weeks issue we announced the death of Surgeon Michael Breen, a native of the county Clare. As many of his relatives and numerous class fellows and personal friends are still amongst us, we copy the following details which will be read with interest by all:
Dr Breen, who was in the forty-fourth year of his age, was a native of County Clare, Ireland, being a nephew of the late Rev Father Breen, Parish Priest of Ballinacally, and Kilkee, and of the ripest scholars of his day in the diocese of Killaloe. Dr Breen at an early age developed a taste for the medical profession, and having completed his intermediate studies he entered and graduated from what is known as the ‘King’s and Queen’s College’ in Dublin taking high rank in his class. He also entered for and received his diplomas from the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Edinburgh. He came to this country shortly before the breaking out of the Civil War; and having settled down to the practice of his profession he offered his services to the Government and served as Surgeon in the Volunteer department of the army till the conclusion of the war. A cultivated, graceful and graphic writer, one of the most interesting narratives of the ‘late unpleasantness’ in his vivid description of the experience of one of the numerous ‘expeditions’ dispatched to the Southern sea board during that period which went out to look for the Irish American Confederate, General Finnegan, at his residence in Florida; and found him – very much to their own discomfiture. At the conclusion of the war Doctor Breen resumed the practice of his profession with marked success both in New York and in the Eastern District of Brooklyn, where he was well known and universally popular. He had been appointed on the Brooklyn Board of Education just previous to his death. A thorough Nationalist, he took an active part in all movements which had for their object the betterment of the condition of his native country and was one of the founders and vice president of the Thirteenth Ward Land League of Brooklyn. Dr Breen, who was a widower, leaves no children. Irish American.

On Thursday, 27th ult, Ireland lost a faithful son by the death, at his residence in Brooklyn, of Surgeon Michael Breen of the 69th Regiment. The lamented deceased was stricken with cholera morbus on the preceeding day, and although several physicians immediately gave their services to the sufferer their skill could not arrest the progress of the complaint, which speedily developed the most virulent symptoms. He continued to grow worse through the early hours of Thursday morning, at seven o’clock became delirious, in which condition he remained up to noon when he sank gradually. On being first attacked he himself attributed his sickness to iced water and iced milk which he drank on July 21st, while on duty at Creedmoor with the Sixty-ninth Regiment. On Sunday last the funeral service was performed over his remains in the Church of St Vincent de Paul, Williamsburgh. A military escort, consisting of four companies of the Sixty-ninth Regiment under the command of Major Duffy, attended the funeral. Colonel Cavanagh and the full staff of the regiment were pallbearers. Following the military were Shields Posts, G A R, Colonel John Beattie, commander; Mansfield Post, G A R, Martin Short, commander; Emmet Clune[?] of the Clan-na-Gael, numbering over four hundred, and branches Nos 10, 13 and 23 of the St Patrick’s Alliance of America were also numerously attended. A delegation from the Brooklyn Board of Education occupied the pews nearest to the altar. There were also present delegations from all the Williamsburgh branches of the Land League. The coffin, draped with Irish and American flags, was borne up the central aisle by six sergeants of the Sixty ninth Regiment, and was placed in front of the altar. In a brief memorial address the Rev E J McCabe eulogised the deceased, after which the body was deposited in Calvary Cemetry. The funeral cortege was one of the most imposing ever seen in Brooklyn, and attracted much attention. Inasmuch as the deceased was a good Irishman and reflected credit on his race may his memory remain green. Abridges from the Irish nation of the 5th inst.
Sheila

smcarberry
Posts: 1281
Joined: Fri Mar 30, 2007 4:31 pm
Location: USA

Re: 2021 supplement to online U.S. Civil War database, Clare-born soldiers

Post by smcarberry » Tue May 18, 2021 10:09 am

Dr. Breen is a great addition to the database -- many thanks, Sheila. I will try pull together a new supplement of soldiers in the new few weeks, with so many waiting in the wings for their spots online. This good man's passing certainly received ample mention at the time, so it is a wonder that his Civil War service has not surfaced before this.

While his NY obituary is clear on his service as a surgeon on the war's front lines (for 2.5 years), it is odd that neither the New York State nor the federal government websites of Civil War solders have any mention of him as either physician or soldier. Those wanting to read an even fuller description of the considerable pageantry involved with his funeral, try this link for his 31 July 1882 obituary in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, available on the website of the Brooklyn Public Library:
https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/5036 ... 22&match=1

BTW this is the first I have heard of the St. Patrick's group, although I have been reading Irish American death articles for over 20 years. The Brooklyn article provides the group's full name: St. Patrick's Mutual Alliance of Kings County.

S. Carberry

smcarberry
Posts: 1281
Joined: Fri Mar 30, 2007 4:31 pm
Location: USA

Re: 2021 supplement to online U.S. Civil War database, Clare-born soldiers

Post by smcarberry » Fri May 28, 2021 12:06 pm

Just a head's up on finding an official record of Dr. Michael Breen's service in the 69 NY Infantry -- I do now have that, although he enlisted so early in the war that his entire unit was signed up for only a 3-month term. I have additional references to a Michael Breen in later units, and most importantly, I have a two pension applications that seem to fit, including one of a widow, which should be definitive. A trip to the D.C. headquarters of the National Archives will be necessary to view actual records, but that will get done.

For anyone else needing to see actual images of U.S. military records held at the U.S. National Archives, the commercial service Fold3 has opened its records for this Memorial Day weekend for free access. Unfortunately, navigation through the site is awkward & time-consuming, and mostly what has been filmed is only the record jacket listing minimal details for each man (name & unit, sometimes length of term). The meat of each record is not yet digitized except for some pension records, because it is a massive endeavor to properly photograph each page for every military man. On one of my trips in the 2010s to the NARA reading room to view pension files, a staff person identified the photographer at work as being from the Fold3 predecessor organization and stated that it would take his lifetime to get to every pension file of Civil War participants.

Sduddy
Posts: 1826
Joined: Sun Sep 26, 2010 10:07 am

Re: 2021 supplement to online U.S. Civil War database, Clare-born soldiers

Post by Sduddy » Fri May 28, 2021 5:05 pm

Hi Sharon,
I’m glad to hear that Michael Breen enlisted, and that there’s a record of it – It had crossed my mind his participation might have been voluntary and therefore not recorded.

Sheila

Sduddy
Posts: 1826
Joined: Sun Sep 26, 2010 10:07 am

Re: 2021 supplement to online U.S. Civil War database, Clare-born soldiers

Post by Sduddy » Sun Jun 06, 2021 10:13 am

Hi Sharon,

I was looking at a 2013 posting on the topic of “Brew, Donnellan, Purcell, West Clare 1888”: http://www.ourlibrary.ca/phpbb2/viewtop ... 0&start=15, and noticed (on page 2), as part of the inscription on the gravestone for Michael G. Brew, “During the Civil War, Michael served with the 34th Independent Battery N.Y. Lt Artillery.”

Sheila

smcarberry
Posts: 1281
Joined: Fri Mar 30, 2007 4:31 pm
Location: USA

Re: 2021 supplement to online U.S. Civil War database, Clare-born soldiers

Post by smcarberry » Mon Jun 07, 2021 9:21 am

Sheila, what do I say ? Great catch, and the fact that you are looking out for those references posted before the creation of the database is outstanding. The icing on the cake is that this Brew has been researched already, so this contribution will have both your and Patricia Corbett's names attached to it. Thanks so much for helping to ensure that there is one central listing place for Clare-born soldiers.

BTW I caught one more soldier just last month hiding in my notes, after I thought I had already done a thorough review of my e-files to capture pre-database findings.

I will soon need to organize and format a new group for submission to the Library.

Sharon C.

Post Reply