William Wallis (1836-1901) emigrated from Ireland to America in 1839 after the death of his mother. He served as a First Lieutenant in the 117th Illinois Infantry during the Civil War, participating in key battles. Later, he became a Methodist minister, dedicating 35 years to his faith. A letter from 1885 reveals his pride in his Irish heritage. Wallis passed away in 1901.
Thomas Connor and Mary Kinney married in Birr, Ireland, in June 1840. Their sons, John and Nicholas Connor, both served in the Civil War. John died in 1861, and Nicholas succumbed to wounds from Gettysburg in 1863. Their story highlights the Irish contribution to the Civil War and connects to their heritage in Birr, County Offaly.
John Renehan, a Sergeant in Company H of the 1st Artillery Regiment, witnessed the first shots of the US Civil War at Fort Sumter in April 1861. Born in Offaly, Ireland, he served valiantly during the conflict, later re-enlisting after the fort’s surrender. He died prematurely from heart disease in January 1866.
A significant milestone was achieved with the addition of 400 Offaly-born men who served in the US Civil War, anticipating at least 150 more names. Key statistics include a Medal of Honor winner, Colonels, and various service roles. Efforts continue to uncover more identities and stories of these soldiers.
On July 2, 1863, during the Battle of Gettysburg, eleven soldiers from Offaly were either killed or wounded, marking a tragic day in the region’s history. Among them, Barney Horan and James Egan were both wounded and died later in a Gettysburg hospital on the same day. Ongoing research continues to uncover more details about Offaly soldiers involved.
The site Americasoffalyheroes has documented 300 Offaly-born soldiers who fought in the US Civil War. Highlights include one Medal of Honor recipient, various regimental affiliations, and insights into their lives. With over 225 names pending addition, visitors are encouraged to contribute any further information about these soldiers.
2 US CIVIL WAR SOLDIERS Today we paid a visit to the graves of these two soldiers who fought on
Thomas Molloy and Peter Cavanagh were two Offaly men who fought on opposing sides during the American Civil War. Molloy served in the Confederate army while Cavanagh was in the Union forces. Both returned to Ireland post-war, living significant yet contrasting lives, with their stories reflecting the impact of their experiences.
“The body of another of our brave volunteers killed at the storming of Missionary Ridge, that of Lieut. James Conway,
William Hume and his brother John emigrated from Birr, Ireland, to the US in 1852. John became a newspaper editor and political figure before his early death in 1881. William served in the Union Army, contracted typhoid fever, and died by jumping from a hospital window in 1862, leaving behind a family marked by tragedy.
