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.
HE WAS A MEMBER OF COMPANY D, 125TH NEW YORK INFANTRY, BRANDED “THE HARPERS FERRY COWARDS” FOR THEIR SURRENDER IN
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.
Andrew Henry, originally Andrew Mooney, emigrated from Offaly, Ireland, to New Orleans in 1848 during the Irish Famine. He relocated to Carrollton, Alabama, where he served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. Post-war, he became a newspaper owner and county treasurer, eventually relocating to Mobile, Alabama, where he died in 1900.
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.
Patrick Hennessey, a 23-year-old Irish immigrant, joined the Union Army in 1864, participating in the ill-fated Battle of the Crater at Petersburg. Captured by Confederates, he was imprisoned in harsh conditions in Danville, Virginia. Hennessey succumbed to illness on February 8, 1865, and is buried in Danville National Cemetery.
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.
A list of 200 Offaly men who fought in the US Civil War (1861-1865) has been compiled, with each soldier having a dedicated page featuring available details. Visitors are encouraged to explore the list for potential connections and to share any additional information they might have.
