For more reading on this soldier: https://americasoffalyheroes.com/2025/11/07/john-renehan-born-in-county-offaly-part-of-the-union-garrison-at-fort-sumter-on-friday-12th-april-1861/
William Delaney, a member of the 43rd New York Infantry Regiment, died of disease at 20 in Philadelphia during the Civil War. His mother applied for a pension, relying on him for support. His headstone at Philadelphia National Cemetery misspells his surname as “Delancy,” a mistake Danny Leavy aims to correct.
Born in Banagher, County Offaly, Ireland in 1821, William Galvin emigrated to the USA settling in Albany, New York. He enlisted into the 104th New York Infantry Regiment in December 1861 at 40 years of age. Seeing action at several major battles he was eventually shot and killed in “The Cornfield” at Antietam. His family were informed of his death in a letter written by a comrade detailing his fate.
Tim Costello originally from Ferbane in County Offaly founder of Costello’s Bar in New York. A place often frequented by some of America’s most famous literary figures.
HE RETURNED TO IRELAND AFTER HIS US ARMY SERVICE AND WAS A FARMER IN THE CLONAD AREA CLOSE TO DAINGEAN,
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.
James Murray, born in Philipstown, Offaly, Ireland, served in the 86th New York Infantry for four months during the US Civil War. He enlisted in January 1864, experienced combat at the Battle of Spotsylvania, and was killed shortly thereafter at age 34. His final resting place is likely Fredericksburg National Cemetery.
The story of William Keenan, an Irish soldier from Offaly, emerged after 160 years of obscurity. Born around 1839, he fought in the US Civil War, participating in key battles. Later, he experienced personal struggles, leading to his demise in 1869, leaving behind a remarkable yet lonely legacy. His contribution is now recognized.
HE WAS A MEMBER OF COMPANY D, 125TH NEW YORK INFANTRY, BRANDED “THE HARPERS FERRY COWARDS” FOR THEIR SURRENDER IN
By summer 1863, the American Civil War prompted Congress to enact the Enrollment Act, initiating a draft that incited riots in New York due to socioeconomic tensions. Rev. Walter Quarter intervened to calm crowds amidst chaos, ultimately losing his health and life due to the events. Quarter significantly contributed to community building yet remains memorialically overlooked.
