Edenderry’s Michael Malone Served In The 15th Kentucky Infantry Reg’ During The US Civil War. “The Orphans Regiment”

KILLED BY CANNON FIRE AT THE BATTLE OF PERRYVILLE ON OCTOBER 8TH 1862.

A group of soldiers from the American Civil War posing together in a forested area. The men are dressed in military uniforms, some with hats, and are holding rifles or standing casually. There are a mix of seated and standing individuals, with a flag displayed in the background. — **Members Of the 15th Kentucky “Orphan” Regiment** – Facebook – 15th Kentucky Vol. Inf. US

Michael Malone was born in Edenderry, Co. Offaly in 1821 to parents John Malone and Mary Quinn. His baptism record is accessible in the Edenderry Parish Register for that period as are a further four Malone baptisms, Elizabeth in 1824, Thomas in 1827, Mary in 1832 and Kitty in 1834 . Michael emigrated to the USA sometime in the late 1840’s and settled in Hamilton County, Ohio close to the main city of Cincinnati. This area of the US had, by then, already a large Irish population and it is likely that the Malone family had relatives living in the area.

Close-up of handwritten text featuring the name 'Michael' in cursive script.

Ireland Roman Catholic Parish Baptisms Image | findmypast.ie – Michael Malone 1821

Close-up of handwritten text in a historical document showing the name 'Elizabeth Harris' and additional writing.

Ireland Roman Catholic Parish Baptisms Image | findmypast.ie – Elizabeth Malone 1824

Close-up of handwritten text from a historical document, featuring names and details in cursive script.

Ireland Roman Catholic Parish Baptisms Image | findmypast.ie – Thomas Malone 1827

Michael Malone married Mary Sheeran in Cincinnati in December of 1850, Mary had previously been married to Malachy Bowen who died in 1849 leaving Mary to care for 4 children. Michael and Mary would have 2 more children, Daniel and Michael, prior to the outbreak of the US Civil War in April of 1861. In November of that same year Michael enlisted at Cincinnati into Company K of the 15th Kentucky Infantry Regiment.

Over the next 12 months Michael and his regiment would spend most of their time in the states of Tennessee and Alabama disrupting and trying to gain control of vital Southern supply hubs and strategic railways points. At the beginning of October 1861 the 15th Kentucky were back in their home state as the Confederate army under General Braxton Bragg’s had invaded Kentucky and was threatening to reach the city of Louisville. If successful the Confederates would then be in a strong position to go and take control of Michael’s home town of Cincinnati. The Union forces under the overall command of Don Carlos Buell were preparing to defend Virginia and prevent it coming under Confederate control. A fateful day was quickly approaching for Edenderry’s Michael Malone.

Braxton Bragg – Wikipedia

Don Carlos Buell – Wikipedia

The 2 armies collided on the 8th October 1862 at the The Battle of Perryville which at the time was also referred to as The Battle of Chaplin Hills. Although it was initially considered a tactical victory for the Confederates they were actually the first army to abandon the battlefield late in the evening as a numerically stronger Union force were reorganizing. Their withdrawal and retreat from Perryville ended any hope of the state of Kentucky being added to the Confederacy and the day would close with an unlikely overall strategic victory for the Union.

Michael’s regiment in particular took a battering during the fighting. Their location on a critical ridge overlooking the field meant they had to withstand several intense attacks from the Confederates and here they would sustain severe casualties, including several commanding officers. As a result of the losses sustained at Perryville , especially in their leadership, the 15th Kentucky was often later referred to the “Orphan Regiment”.

Sometime during the heavy fighting at The Battle Of Perryville Michael Malone was struck by canon fire and died. While there is no exact burial plot for Michael Malone the Perryville Battlefield Historic site does have a memorial to the many who died on that day. Michael Malone’s name is recorded alongside many of this fellow members of his regiment who died at Perryville.

A historic illustration depicting a battle scene with soldiers in formation, smoke from cannon fire, and a rural landscape in the background. Some soldiers are shown on horseback, while others are engaged in combat, amidst fallen soldiers on the ground. — Harpers-Perryville-battle – Battle of Perryville – Wikipedia

Casualty sheet documenting the service details of Michael Malone, including rank, company, regiment, state, nature of casualty, and discharge information. — US, Civil War Service Records (CMSR) – Union – Kentucky, 1861-1865 – Fold3

Michael Malone (1821-1862) – Find a Grave Memorial

Note; Michael Malone listed at Perryville Grave Site

A historical document listing names, ranks, and military units of individuals, dated October 8, 1862.

Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site in Perryville, Kentucky – Find a Grave Cemetery

Military service record for Michael Malone, Private in Company K, 15th Regiment Kentucky Infantry, detailing his returns dated October 1862 and noting his status at Chaplin Hills.

Page 1 – US, Civil War Service Records (CMSR) – Union – Kentucky, 1861-1865 – Fold3

Document displaying military service record for a soldier named Michael Malone, including details such as service rank, enlistment date, filing date, and application classification. — **Malone, Michael – US, Civil War Pensions Index, 1861-1900 – Fold3**

Mary Malone would later apply for a widows pension and these documents help to add more details to the fate of Michael Malone and to his then young family. It confirms Michael’s death by canon fire at The Battle Of Perryville and also confirms that he had at that point 2 sons named Daniel and Michael. Mary Malone is successful in her application for a widows pension and would live until 1902 before passing away. Edenderry’s Michael Malone is another one of americasoffalyheroes and we are glad to add his name to the site.