My name is Damian Shiels and I am a professional archaeologist who specialises in ‘conflict archaeology’, particularly where it relates to Ireland. I currently work with a commercial archaeology company, Rubicon Heritage Services Ltd, but have also spent time as one of the curatorial staff at the National Museum of Ireland where I worked with the military collections and in the preparation of the Soldiers and Chiefs military history exhibition. I am not a historian, although I have spent much of my career around historical documents and interpreting them from an archaeological and museum standpoint.
I have had a long standing interest in the Irish experience of conflict regardless of period or location, and the American Civil War is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating topics in this sphere. The sheer scale of the Irish involvement in the conflict and its affects not only on the soldiers at the front but the Irish civilians at home have captivated my attention. Although the Irish experience of the Civil War is a relatively popular topic in the United States, there remains little understanding in Ireland of either the event itself or how it impacted on the Irish in America or indeed the Irish in Ireland.
This blog has been set-up to fulfill a number of aims. I hope to tell the stories of Irish men and women caught up in the Civil War in an engaging and informative manner, along the way providing information on different people, units and places. It is also intended that resources for those interested in the Irish experience will be built up over time, to act as an aid for those who wish to find out more (check out the ‘Resources’ tab at the top right of the site to see what is currently available). Finally I hope the site makes some small contribution to raising awareness in Ireland of the Irish experience of the American Civil War, particularly in light of the 150th anniversary.
If you would like to contact me please email me at:
irishamericancivilwar@gmail.com
This looks to be a very interesting blog. Good luck with this endeavor!
Many thanks George, I hope you enjoy it!
Hi,
I’m hoping you can tell me a reference for the following in your blog post on Rowan. I’m hoping to locate the original correspondence:
“On 10th April Rowan was able to report to Welles from off Cape Henry, informing the Secretary that he was at sea having been delayed somewhat by an easterly gale. ” Thank you!
Hi Laura,
No problem at all- that correspondence (and all the correspondence in the Rowan post) are from the ‘Official records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion; Series I – Volume 4: Operations in the Gulf of Mexico (November 15, 1860 – June 7, 1861); Operations on the Atlantic Coast (January 1, 1861 – May 13, 1861); Operations on the Potamac and Rappahannock Rivers (January 5, 1861 – December 7, 1861)’. That particular report is to be found on page 243. If you want to access an online version of these records you can find them at the ‘Making of America’ site at http://dlxs2.library.cornell.edu/m/moa/ which is an excellent resource- a search for Rowan should so the trick. I hope this is of some use, and I if I can be of any more help please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Kind Regards,
Damian.
Dear Damian,
Thank-you for all your amazing work on the Irish in the American Civil War! I am writing a history of the Portland, Maine Irish and have now also started writing a history of the Irish in Portland during the Civil War which I hope to complete in a few months (a side book!). Many interesting Portland Irish fought in the Civil War, including John E. Anglin, son of Cork City emigrants, and second-youngest Medal of Honor winner; Patrick R. Guiney; 1st Lt. Michael C. Boyce, killed at Gettysburg; and Thomas O’Dea, who did the famous Andersonville Prison image.
Well, keep up the good work! I have not seen Susannah Ural Bruce’s book, how does it rate? Thanks.
Hi Matthew,
Many thanks for your kind words! Your book sounds really interesting, and I would love to review a copy of your civil war one when it is finished, and read the stories of some of Maine Irishmen. Susannah’s book is one of the best I have read on the topic of the Union Irish- she travels beyond the battlefield to explore the motivations behind the men who fought and why they did it- their dual loyalties to the Union and Ireland really comes across, as does the Irish community’s declining enthusiasm for the war from late 1862 onwards and their overwhelming support for McClellan and the Democrats in the 1864 election. I strongly recommend it. I hope you have continued success with your books!
Kind Regards,
Damian.
Hi Damian,
Been doing genealogical work on my Kelly’s… I have a possibly related Great Uncle I’m tracing. The information states he was in the 99th NYV and I’ve verified this. I have mailed away to the National Archives to receive his whole file… My hope is that the file will provide actual birthplace or will have information that I can use to link him as the man I believe he might be…
Do you know of any other resources where I can look for more information on Civil Soldiers and their records, etc.?
To imagine the children of dear Holy Erin landing in American after centuries of oppression and experiencing the recent genocide of British created famine always wells up emotion especially when I think that these men were then thrust into a war… A war they fought willingly to gain the respect of their new nation either Blue or Grey and most importantly to prove as Celts we do not fear death as it is just a continuum…. but we do fear the yoke of our own slavery that was inflicted by the british…
Hi Jimmy,
The information you get from the National Archives should provide with you with all the direct information on your Great Uncle. I would recommend you check out the New York State Military Museum website if you haven’t already done so though, it is a fabulous resource with information on all of the New York units. The 99th New York page has their history along with the battles they engaged in and casualties they suffered, along with newspaper clippings relating to the regiment and a roster of all the men of the unit. It also has a suggested reading list. You can find it at http://dmna.state.ny.us/historic/reghist/civil/infantry/99thInf/99thInfMain.htm. I hope this is of help- I would be interested in finding out how you get on with your research!
Kind Regards,
Damian.
Dear Damian, I am trying to gain information on Lt Col james Quinlan. He was born in Clonmel, Ireland and a member of the 88th Irish Brigade. I am trying to find out if he is related to me as my family came from that part of Ireland. Where do I find his military service records?
David Quinlan
Hi David,
Thanks for getting in touch. David Power Conyngham has brief biographies of the main officers at the end of his Irish Brigade history which would be worth checking out if you haven’t already done so- there is a link to the online version of his work on the ‘Books’ page of this blog, and James Quinlan is included. The National Archives should hold his Compiled Military Service Records and you can order these remotely- check out http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/pre-ww-1-records.html#nwctb-list for more details on this. His pension records should also be available from this source, and once you specify who you are looking for and his service details they should be able to get the material for you for a fee. I hope this is of some use, but if you have any other queries don’t hesitate to contact me.
Kind Regards,
Damian.
Hello Damian, How are you doing ? Been a like a coon’s age since I last had a chance to talk to ye.
During some research here in America / Baltimore dealing with the First bloodshed of the Civil War we have found out a number of Irishmen Killed on April 19th, 1861. Some of the names as follows were; Robert W. Davis age 36 from County Tyrone, Ireland, a man known as only Flannery, William Maloney age 25, John McGann, John McMahon, & a Michael Murphy. These men we plan to research further to find out more details about them in the near future.
Hi Patrick,
How are you? Great to hear from you! That is some fascinating research I would be interested in finding out more about them when you have had a chance to get more details. As you can see I have thrown myself into the Civil War these days in anycase! I was up at the exhibition recently and all is still looking good there, they are getting a lot of visitors through which is good. Be sure to keep in touch!
Talk to you soon,
Damian.
Hi Damian,
I was going back thru your blogs again to find your writeup about the 69th NY and Ken Powers and Myself that you had written about the ” Soldiers and Chiefs” exhibit but i couldn’t find it. I was hoping to save and print out a copy. Remember how you and Lars made a comment about how much “stuff ” I had relating to the Civil war that I could practically have my own museum. Well since Late 2007, I have been exhibiting a large number of my artefacts and documents at ” The Baltimore Civil War Museum” and I actually have a title with the Museum as a whole as Curator. I also organize Living History Programs and for the past 10 months was in charge of the Gift / Book store too. As of late we have been averaging around 110 or more vistors per day with tour groups of 40 to 80 + persons on weekends and occassional weekdays too. We have a facebook page ” Baltimore Civil War Museum” too which i have been updating from time to time.
I hope to hear back from ye soon,
Patrick
Great blog! Added you to my roll: http://www.soldierstudies.org/blog
Many thanks Chris! I have also added yours to my roll, looks good!
Kind Regards,
Damian.
Epic site!
Many thanks Joseph! Glad you enjoy it.
Damian.
Happy Birthday! Love the site. Thanks.
Hi Denis,
Many thanks!
Damian.
Damien, Learned about your blog from a comment your father made on mine, http://www.mahermatters.com. This is wonderful! You have really set an example of all a blog can be. I’ll be back! Thank you.
Janet
Hi Janet,
Many thanks for your kind words! Your blog looks really interesting I am looking forward to reading it, and if I can be of any help please dont hesitate to contact me.
Kind Regards,
Damian.
Damian,
Came across your blog today and am enjoying reading your posts! Irish involvement in the Civil War is certainly a rich and fascinating topic. I wrote my senior thesis in college on Irish involvement in the Civil War Draft Riots in New York City and have been interested since. Looking forward to future posts!
~ Emma
Hi Emma,
Many thanks! The Draft Riots are a fascinating topic, I hope to have a few posts about them over the coming months. I had a look at your blog as well it looks like an exciting project I look forward to reading how you get on!
Kind Regards,
Damian.
Hi Damien, I recently came across your site and I think it’s fantastic. I have returned to college to study tourism but I have a keen interest in both irish and american history. Most of my viewers to my blog are from America and I would like to mention your website if that was cool with you? Hope to hear from you soon
Sinead
Hi Sinead,
Glad you like the blog and many thanks for your kind words! That would be no problem at all please do- what is your own blog I would love to have a look?
Kind Regards,
Damian.
Hi Damien, that’s great. My Blog is http://speccy-four-eyes.blogspot.com/
terribly nerdish posts on tourism news in Ireland though I also tend to gravitate towards any heritage news/attractions as I think the two are very much married to each other.
Anyway’s I will send you the link to the post once I have it up on the blog
Thanks
Sinead
very interesting… Im the author of “The Irish and English in Italy’s Risorgimento” and mention the connections of Ireland and the US Civil War on my blog http://50yearsinitaly.blogspot.com/2011/02/ireland-and-italy-share-common.html
and
http://50yearsinitaly.blogspot.com/2011/10/italys-risorgimento-and-american-civil.html
Hi Damien, I am looking for Croghan as a surname within the civil war, It had many anglecised versions from MacConnCruachan, including crohan, croughan. I know some of us served in the war of independance like Col George Croghan buried at Fort Croghan. I wondered if on your travels in time you had met a few of my spiritual ancestors. I would be grateful for information regarding any of my tuatha. Most were skilled tradesmen – blacksmith, farriers, with some educated men and a few biataghs who were exiled for Fenian ways or dispossed by landlords. Any help would be gratefully assisted. Go Ndeireagh Dia Leat Mo Chara, Conan Mac ConnCruachan (Conan Croghan) Roscommon Town, Co Roscommon, Ireland
Hi Conan,
Your best starting point is to look at the Civil War Soldiers and Sailors Database here: http://www.itd.nps.gov/cwss/. I had a quick look and 37 men with the surname Croghan served in the army so you could take it from there to see if you can find out more about them- the database is an excellent starting point so let me know how you get on!
Kind Regards,
Damian.
Hi Damian
Thanks for an enthralling Lecture tonight and look forward to seeing you again soon..Brilliant
Regards, Robert Reid South Tipperary Military History Society
Hi Robert,
Many thanks for your kind words I am glad you enjoyed it! I had a fantastic evening and really enjoyed meeting everyone- your society deserves every success!
Kind Regards,
Damian.
I found your site just today and I’m sorry I didn’t see it sooner! All of my Civil War veteran ancestors—the Reillys, Cavanaghs, Burns, and McDonoughs–would be very pleased with it.
Many thanks for your kind comments! Do you know much about their service in the Civil War? I would love to hear their stories!
Hi there! Apologies for the delay in replying–I do know a bit about their service, they served in regiments from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. One of them was killed (and is buried) at Gettysburg, one was in the officer’s prison at Andersonville and came home after a prisoner exchange, and the others mustered out after a mercifully uneventful tour. Unfortunately that’s pretty much all I know.
Hello Damien. I came across your article “Who Shot General McPherson? The Fifth Confederate at Bald Hill.” It was highly informative and well-written. I wanted to share with you the following excerpt I found about my 3rd great grandfather’s brother Hugh Ruston Duke:
from reprint of “Clarke County Historical and Biographical Record” by Lewis Publishing, 1886. p. 89.
HUGH R. DUKE, of the village of Woodburn, was born in Clarke County, Virginia, November 28, 1836. His parents, Thomas and Sidney (Johnson) Duke, were born and reared in Virginia. His grandfather was one of the patriots who served in the war for American independence, and his father served in the war of 1812. He was in the garrison at Fort Henry, Baltimore, at the time of its bombardment by the British forces.
In 1853 the family removed to Logan County, Ohio, where the father died in 1855, aged sixty-three years. Hugh, being the eldest child at home then had charge of the family. They moved to Jefferson County, Virginia, and lived on rented land.
July 18, 1861, Hugh enlisted in Company K, Seventh Iowa Infantry, in defense of the Union. His first action was at the battle of Fort Donelson; next in the terrible two daysÂ’ battle at Shiloh, and later the siege of Corinth. He was in the battle of Iuka and Corinth in 1862. In Middle Tennessee the regiment was doing hard duty until the relief of General ThomasÂ’ army at Chattanooga. The regiment then joined the Fifteenth Corps, under command of General Logan, and became a part of ShermanÂ’s grand army in its campaign against JohnstonÂ’s army; and at Atlanta, in the heroic campaign that followed, the Seventh bore an honorable part. In the battles that occurred between Chattanooga and Atlanta the Seventh also bore an honorable part, being nearly sixty days under fire. July 22 the regiment was engaged at Atlanta where General McPherson was killed; Sergeant Duke saw him fall and carried from the field. It was at the battle of Jonesboro; following the banners of Sherman to the sea; up through the Carolinas, and in the line of the grand review at Washington. While at Petersburg, Sergeant Duke was permitted to visit his sister, Mrs. Emily Writt, at Sutherland Station, Dinwiddie County, Virginia. He was honorably discharged July 22, 1865. The service of Sergeant Duke was honorable in the highest degree. He was in the hospital at BirdÂ’s Point, in October, 1863, two weeks; participated in all the battles of his regiment, terminating only with the surrender of the rebel General JohnstonÂ’s army.
He returned to Jefferson County, and June 13, 1867, was united in marriage with Miss Mary Frush, daughter of George Frush of Clarke county. She was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, August 3, 1841. In 1870 Mr. and Mrs. Duke went to LaBette County, Kansas, intending to remain, but being unable to get a good title to the railroad land upon which they had settled, they went to the northwestern part of the State and located a soldierÂ’s warrant. After the loss of several successive crops by grasshoppers, Mr. Duke abandoned all hope of living in Kansas and returned to Jefferson County.
In 1881 he removed to the village of Woodburn. He owns ninety-three acres, all within the corporation of Woodburn. He is a member and Adjutant of Davenport Post, No. 385, G.A.R. and both are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. They have five children living–Orrin D., Elmer E., Mary E., Ida May and Clyde Otho. Roscoe J. died of croup in February, 1881, aged two years and three months. Mr. DukeÂ’s mother died in 1874 in Jefferson County, aged seventy-four years. One brother, Thomas, and sister, Emily, live in Virginia.Two brothers, David and William L., live in Jefferson County. A sister, Mrs. Sarah Johnson, lives in Woodburn, and Mrs. Mary Jane Drenner lives in Kansas. In politics Mr. Duke is a Republican.
(Hugh’s father Thomas Duke fought in the War of 1812 and was present at the bombardment of Fort McHenry Thomas Duke’s father was James Duke, who emigrated from Newry Parish, Ireland in 1774 and was a soldier of the U.S. Revolution.( A Genealogy of the DUKE-SHEPERD-VAN METRE FAMILY from Civil, Military, Church and Family Records and Documents. Compiled and Edited by Samuel Gordon Smyth 1909).
Hi Lisa,
Many thanks for providing this excellent information about your ancestor, he had quite an impressive record- it is fascinating to see the story from the other side! It is also interesting that he had an Irish connection, it seems they were never far away during the American Civil War!
Kind Regards,
Damian.
Yeah, I had no idea how involved the Irish were in the Civil War. Researching genealogy has really helped me to look at historical events differently. By the way, the Smithsonian Channel just aired a program called “Fighting Irish of the Civil War” in case you are interested.
Hi Damien,
I looked at your list of Medal of Honor awardee’s and I noticed the Pte. Patrick Moloney is
not mentioned. He was awarded his Medal for bravery in capturing Brig. General Archer
at Gettysburg. (2nd Wisconsin, Company G.) Killed in action, later in the battle.
Martin Molony.
Hi Martin,
Many thanks for getting in touch. Patrick’s story at Gettysburg is a fantastic one and one I hope to tell- I have seen references to him being awarded the Medal of Honor online but have not come across him on any of the official lists has receiving been in receipt of it, hence his absence here. Do you have any references to it that I could have a look at?
Kind Regards,
Damian.
Damian, just found this blog and enjoyed reading the posts. The Irish in the CW has been a subject that has kept me busy for years! I look forward to hearing more stories and can post some info on some soldiers as well. The newest pension filed I’ve received was for James O’Donnell who was from Lettermacaward Donegal. He was a private in the Pa. 96th Regt. This man left the far west coast of Ireland about 1850 only to plant himself in the coal mines of Schuylkill Co., Pennsylvania. He married in Pa. to Ann McGeehan who was also from same place in Donegal. He applied in 1872 for a pension due to illness but after almost a year of acquiring affadavits etc he was turned down. At that time he and his wife had 8 children, 5 of them died young, leaving only 3 daughters. James O’Donnell was only able to occassionally to peddle some wares as his health was poor. Again in 1882 he applied for pension..and again refused! At that point the family was near destitute and he took his life by hanging himself and found by his wife upon her return home from mass on a Sunday morning. There was some question about him being murdered but it appears it was suicide according to this pension file. Ann O’Donnell was then able to apply for his pension and had that to live on for the next 20 yrs of her life. He is buried at old St. Jerome’s cemetery in Tamaqua, Schuylkill Co., Pa. at the head of Black Jack Kehoe, the head of the Molly Maguires. He does have a govt issued headstone that marks his burial place. His life on this earth went from bad to horrific..may he RIP.
Betsy Koen Morris
Hi Betsy,
Many thanks I am glad you enjoy it! That is quite an amazing story and a really poignant one- do you carry out the research out of interest or are you helping other families find out about their ancestry? The story reflected in the file is one that really needs to be told, what happened these men and their families after the war (and indeed those families that lost their main breadwinner during the conflict). This is something that affected countless thousands of Irish people in the U.S. in the 19th century and had a dramatic affect on their fortunes and wellbeing. Thanks for sharing his story with us, I would love to hear more about the work you are doing!
Kind Regards,
Damian.
Damian, thanks for the interest in the woes of James O’Donnell. I enjoy the civil war era and try not to get to engrossed in it as I would become consumed! I do it mainly for my owne interest and of my family but have done some research of the Scullion’s of So. Derry area in the CW as well. Now there’s some really interesting tales there as well. There are a few Scullions in Bellaghy who are really interested and I did it for them.
I do have a wonderful letter written in the early 1900′s by the wife of a Capt William Byrnes. He was first generation Irish American and she tells her story about her young life and meeting her soon to be husband
It’s 10 pages long and not suer how I could send it. She wrote this as her husband was dying and ends it “final taps have sounded for Capt Byrnes”
Betsy Morris
Betsy, very interesting story about James O’Donnell from Donegal. Thank you for sharing it. I am a related to another James O’Donnell from Arranmore Donegal who came to Beaver Island, Michigan. The Irish have a very interesting history on Beaver Island, which was once home to a Mormon Kingdom led by James Strang. After Strang was murdered and the rest of the Mormons chased off the island, Beaver Island became heavily populated with Irish immigrants. My great great grandma Mary O’Donnell (child of James O’Donnell and Katherine Gallagher) was born there.You should check out this documentary… http://www.moondance.tv/broadcast_island.htm