He was born in 1832/33 (2 (28 in 1861), 6 (28 in 1861)). He was born in Fermana, Ireland (2).
When he enlisted, he was a blacksmith, and was living in Philadelphia (2, 6).
When he enlisted, he was 5 feet 8 inches tall, and had a light complexion, blue eyes, and light hair (2, 6).
He was mustered into service on 25 September 1861, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (1, 6 [15 Sep 61]). He was a private, in company E (1, 8).
On 19 March 1863, he returned to duty from being absent sick (5).
He was initially listed on the plaque recording men who fought at the Battle of Gettysburg, but his name was later deleted (7).
He re-enlisted for three years as a veteran volunteer, on 24 December 1863, at Bealton, Virginia (1, 2, 6 [26 Dec]). He was enlisted by Lieutenant Carpenter, and mustered into service by Lieutenant Swann (2).
He deserted on 16 February 1864, while home on veteran's furlough (1, 2, 3, 6). He was a private, in company E (8).
In May or June 1864, he lost one Springfield rifle musket and accoutrements (4).
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 descriptive roll, company E, entry 84
3 register of deserters, company E, entry 13
4 letter, Lentz to Bennett, 16 July 1864
5 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 19 March 1863 (Pri Callahan)
6 Civil War Veterans' Card File, available at the Pennsylvania State Archives, searched 6 May 2004 (Hugh Callahan)
7 card, with the original version of the 91st PA plaque on the Pennsylvania memorial at Gettysburg (from the papers of William C Reiff; thanks to Susan Stickles!) (Hugh Callahan)
8 index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania (Hugh Callahan)