He was born in 1840/41 (2 (23 in 1864)). He was born in Donegal, Ireland (2).
When he enlisted, he was a laborer (2).
When he enlisted, he was 5 feet 6 inches tall, and had a light complexion, blue eyes, and brown hair (2).
He enlisted and was mustered into service on 10 February 1864 (1). He was enlisted for three years, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by Lieutenant Shipley (2). He was mustered by Lieutenant Burke (2). He was a private in company B (1, 5).
He deserted on 2 March 1864 (1; see also 4). He was dropped from the rolls as a deserter on 3 July 1864 (3). He was a private, in company B (5).
1 Bates, Samuel Penniman. History of Pennsylvania volunteers, 1861-5. Harrisburg: B. Singerly, state printer, 1869-71. 5 volumes. 'Ninety-first regiment', volume 3, pages 186-233. (In the roster)
2 company B, [second] descriptive roll, entry 22 (William McVey)
3 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 3 July 1864 (Private McVey)
4 monthly return, company B, May 1864 (William McVeigh [?])
5 index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania (William McVey)