Moneygall, a village in County Offaly, Ireland, has a population of 374 as per the 2022 census. Situated on the R445 road, it features essential amenities and gained fame as Barack Obama’s ancestral home, with his visit in 2011 highlighting its significance. The village is part of the Offaly Dáil constituency.
Over recent months, we received valuable feedback from readers about forgotten lives in Offaly. Many have shared details about their family histories, assisting us in unraveling stories of notable individuals like Carey Heaton and Patrick Fox. We appreciate all contributions that help illuminate these important histories.
ARRIVED IN THE USA IN 1845 AND SETTLED NEAR WEST POINT MILITARY ACADEMY, ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK SERVED FROM 1858
The 37th Iowa Infantry Regiment, known as the “Greybeard Regiment,” uniquely consisted of men aged 45 to 80 during the Civil War. Formed in 1862, its members, including Phillip Flannery, served primarily as guards. Despite high rates of illness and few combat encounters, they demonstrated that older volunteers could effectively contribute to military efforts.
Patrick Guilfoyle, an Irish immigrant, settled in Louisiana after escaping famine. He was a Confederate soldier in Moody’s Madison Light Artillery during the Civil War but suffered personal losses, including his health and children. By the war’s end, he faced economic ruin. His legacy continues through surviving family members in Madison Parish.
We seek information on Offaly’s heroes from the American Civil War, specifically those categorized as “Unknown within Offaly.” If you have family stories or records, please share them. We’ll soon add more identified soldiers lacking specific details. Every piece of information is vital for preserving their legacy.
