He was born in 1809/10 or 1818/19 (3 [24, but muster-in roll has 42, in 1861], 5 [50 in 1860]). He was born in Ireland (5).
In February 1824, he married Catherine [unknown family name], in County Lietrim Ireland (6). They were married by a Catholic priest, Patrick McGovern (6). In 1863, they had no living children (6).
In 1860, he was living in the Southeast ward of Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania (5). He was living with Cath. (presumably his wife), and with five other people (5). He was a contractor (5).
He enlisted at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on 20 September 1861 (1, 3, 6 [see page 5]). On 22 December 1861, he was mustered in, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as a private in company I (1, 3, 6, 7, 8).
At Sharpsburg, Virginia, he developed a hernia, and an inflammatory disease of the throat (6). He was not fit for duty apparently from mid-September 1862 until his discharge (6).
He was discharged on 26 October 1862 on surgeon's certificate of disability (1 [1863], 2 [1862], 6 [26 or 27 Oct 62]). He was reported as 'discharged' on the September-October 1862 muster roll (6). He was a private, in company I (7, 8).
He arrived home on 4 November 1862 (6). He was ill, and was not able to work after returning home (6). He had an inflammatory disease of the throat (also described as cancer), hemorrhages, and a hernia (6).
On 26 July 1863, he died, of inflammation of the throat and hemorrhage (6).
His widow, Catharine Kiernan, applied successfully for a pension on 27 August 1863 (2, 4). She was living in Lancaster City, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania (6).
On 18 July 1865, her application for pension was approved, and she received a pension of $8 per month, retroactive to 26 July 1863 (6).
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 Veterans' administration. Pension index, by name (James Kiernan) (searched 17 Feb 2001, on Ancestry)
3 Civil War Veterans' Card File, available at the Pennsylvania State Archives, searched 28 March 2005 (James Kiernan [rolls have Kierman])
4 pension index, by regiment, 91st PA Infantry, company I (James Kiernan)
5 1860 US census, Pennsylvania, Lancaster County, Lancaster City, Southeast ward, microfilm series M653, film 1126, page 952 = 16 handwritten (James Kearnan)
6 widow's pension certificate file, NARA, RC 15, certificate 51729 (Catherine widow of James Kiernan)
7 index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania (James Kiernan)
8 index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania (James Kirnan)
| Service. | Adjt. Genl. Reports enrollment + muster as a private, Dec. 2 1864 [sic].--On the Muster Roll for Sept + Oct. 1862 [sic]. he is reported "Discharged" |
| Death. |
Affidavit of attending physician showing soldier died July 26th 1863 of Inflamation [sic] of the Throat + Hemmorhage
Officers [sic] certificate showing disease was contracted in the Service and in the line of duty Med. Tes. showing soldier was healthy when he entered the Service. Civ. Dis. not on file at this date |
| Marriage. | Properly authenticated affidavits of credible witnesses establishing marriage Foreign marriage |
| Widowhood | Shown by declaration |
| Names and dates of birth of children. | None |
| No invalid claim on file. | |
| Loyalty. | By declaration |
| Agent and his P.O. address. | Power of Atty. duly executed to James Black Esq - Lancaster - Pa |
Admitted July 18th, 1865, to a Pension of $8.00 per month, commencing July 26th, 1863.
Exd L. Holtzlander, Examining Clerk.On this [blank] day of [blank] A.D. one thousand eight hundred and sixty three personally appeared before me, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Lancaster Pa Catherine Kiernan, a resident of Lancaster City, in the county of Lancaster, State of Pennsylvania, aged sixty-six years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress approved July 14, 1862. That she is the widow of James Kiernan who was a Private in company I commanded by Capt. John P. Caries in the Ninety first (91st) Regiment of Infantry commanded by Colonel E. M. Gregory of Pennsylvania in the war of 1861, who died on the twenty sixth day of July, 1863, at Lancaster Pa in the county of Lancaster State of Pennsylvania that his death was caused by a cancerous affection of the throat contracted whilst in the service of the United States. She further declares that she was married to the said James Kiernan on the [blank] day of [blank] 18[blank], at County Leitrim Ireland, by Rev. McGovern, a Catholic Priest, that her husband, the aforesaid James Kiernan died on the day above mentioned, and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed. She also declares that she has not in any manner been engaged in, or aided or abetted the rebellion in the United States. And she further states that she believes there is no public record of her said marriage, and there is no private or family record, and the best evidence she is able to procure of her marriage is the affidavits of the witnesses hereto attached, who knew of her and her husband living together and acknowledged always as man and wife. The declarant cannot remember the day month or year when she was married, but says it was about thirty five or six years ago to the best of her recollection. That her said husband was a sound man working as a laborer every day and in all weather, + that he never complained of any affection or disease before entering the U.S. Service--that from his return home November 4th 1862 discharged he never was well a day or worked a day, but continued to grow worse until his death.
That the name ... and age ... of her child ... under sixteen years of age at her husband's decease, and the place of residence is as follows:--that she has no children living
She hereby appoints James Black of Lancaster City PA her attorney, with power of substitution, to posecute [sic] her claim and receive the certificate.
Also personally appeared Philip Fitzpatrick and James Peoples residents of Lancaster City county of Lancaster State of Pennsylvania persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who being by me duly sworn, say that they were present and saw Mrs. Catherine Kiernan sign her name by her mark to the foregoing declaration; and they further swear that they have every reason to believe, from the appearance of the applicant and their acquaintance with her, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be, and that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim. And they further swear that they were well acquainted with her and her husband before he entered the service, and know that they lived together as man and wife, and such was their reputation; that she has remained a widow ever since the death of the said James Kiernan and is now a widow That the above mentioned claimant has not in any way been engaged in, or aided or abetted the rebellion, but has always been true and loyal to the Government of the United States. That they are able to state the foregoing facts from the following circumstances: from personal acquaintance Philip Fitzpatrick for the period of more than fifteen years and James Peoples for the period of eight or nine years with the applicant and the deceased - and further say that said Catherine and the said James Kiernan lived together as man and wife and have always been recognized as such. That they knew the said deceased before he went into the service of the United States as a soldier, that he was a sound healthy man, that they saw him on his return from the service as a discharged soldier, sometime in the late fall of 1862, that he then was sick with a disease of his throat the same of which he died that he was ill ever since his return, unable to work and never well from that time until his death.
That the name ... and age ... of the child ... of Mrs. ... under sixteen years of age at her husband's decease, and the place of their residence is as follows: she has no child living.
Philip FitzpatrickSworn to and subscribed before me on the eighth day of August A.D. 1863, and I certify that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim.
Signature of officer. Peter Martin Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas and Keeper of the Seal of said Court in and for Lancaster County PaI, Peter Martin Prothonotary or Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County and State above named, do hereby certify that William B Wiley Esq., before whom the accompanying attached affidavits were made, and who has thereunto signed his name, was at the time of so doing, an Alderman in and for the County and State above named, duly commissioned and sworn; that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit; that his signature thereto is genuine, and that I have no interest in this claim.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name, and affixed my official seal, this twenty fifth day of August 1863.
Peter MartinI have the honor to acknowledge the receipt from your Office of application for Pension No. 31 311, and to return it herewith, with such information as is furnished by the files of this Office.
It appears from the Rolls on file in this Office, that James Kiernan was enrolled on the 20th day of September, 1861, at Philadelphia in Co. "I" 91st Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, to serve Three years, or during the war, and mustered into service as a Private on the 22nd day of December 1861, at Philadelphia Pa, in Co. "I" 91st Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, to serve Three years, or during the war. On the Muster Roll of Co. "I" for that Regiment, for the months of September + October, 1862, he is reported a private, "Discharged," (Date, place and cause of discharge not stated.)
Personally came before me Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of Lancaster County and state aforesaid. the subscriber Catherine Kiernan aged sixty six years. respectable and entitled to full credit who upon her oath doth say that she is the widow of James Kiernan late a private in Company "I" 91st Regt. Pennsylvania Vols: Col. Gregory commanding. who died on the 26th day of July AD 1863. at Lancaster Pennsylvania.
That she was married to the said James Kiernan on the [blank] day of February AD 1824 (the day not now recollected) in the County Lietrim Ireland: that she was married by a Catholic Priest named Patrick McGovern now dead for many years: that she never had a marriage certificate no [sic] does she know that there is an record of said marriage in existence. and that if there is any such it will be impossible for her to obtain it: that the witnesses present at said marriage are also dead. and that the best evidence of said marriage she can produce is the Depositions of Mrs Elizabeth Lichty and Bridget Flynn as to cohabitation and reputation of said marriage herewith submitted.
That her husband the said James Kiernan died as aforesaid from disease contracted in the service of the United States, as the deceased always stated up to the time of his death.
That Dr Muhlenberg his attending physician pronounced his disease cancer of the throat, and was contracted as the diseased maintained after the battle of Antietam by lying upon the rocks and ground at night without shelter exposed to rain and night damps. that said deceased was in a field Hospital at Sharpsburg. Washington County Maryland and was then treated as he stated to deponent for disease of the throat. that he returned home November 4th 1862 sick and remained sick and unable to attend to any labor or work, but emaciated, weak, and unable to leave the house except occasional visits to the Doctor until the time of his death. that he was at the time of entering the service in good health, remarkably robust and healthy. that said deceased had also Hernia contracted or caused in the service as aforesaid, and returned home wearing a truss, which he was compelled to wear up to his death.
Catherine Kiernan X her markSworn and subscribed before me this ninth day of November AD 1864 - and I do certify that I have no interest direct or indirect in the prosecution of this claim.
John SeldonridgeI John S Donnell do hereby certify that I am Lieutenant of Company I of the 91st Regiment of Penna Vet Volunteers, and am acquainted with James Kerman [sic] who was a member of my Company, and, as I am informed, is an applicant for an Invalid Pension. That the said James Kirrman [sic] was mustered into service on or about the 20th day of September 1861 and discharged for disability about the 27th day of October 1862, having become disabled from doing duty as a soldier from on or about the 1st day of August 1862, while in the service of the United States and in the line of his duty as a soldier, in the manner and at the place as follows: He complained of a disease in the throat and was not fit for duty, but remained on the Doctor's list until his Discharge [illegible word] at Alexandria Virginia
That the said soldier was in good health at the time he entered the service, and the disability above referred to affected him while in the service and at his discharge, as follows Desease [sic] in throat. To the best of my knowledge he was sound when he entered the service.
John S DonnellSworn to before me, and subscribed in my presence by Lieut John S. Donnell Comd Co I. 91st Regt. Pa V. Vols this Seventh day of April A.D. 1864, and I certify that the said John S. Donnell Lt. Co. I. 91st P.V.V. is personally known to me to be the person he represents himself to be.
Howard W. ShipleyYour letter has just been received. I regret my entire inability to give you any information of Jas. Kiernans [sic] disease as I was not with the regt. at Sharpsburg Md, having been promoted prior to that time. It is quite possible Dr. Knight may give some information - but at that time there were two Asst. Surgeons in charge, both of whom are now civilians. Dr Knights [sic] address is as follows;:
I. D. KnightI am quite sure he can give you satisfactory information regarding the said deceased soldiers [sic] early illness Hoping you may be successful
I am SirI have just rec'd your letter of the 17th ult. I much regret that it is not in my power give [sic] you a certificate or anything satisfactory in reference to the case of James Kiernan.
My recollection of his case has entirely escaped me and not having access to the Records of the Regiment I have not the means of refreshing my memory in reference to the information solicited.
At the time Kienan [sic] left the Regiment as indicated in your note (Oct 26 /62) I was not directly connected with
the 91st Regt.--I was then Medical Director of Humphreys Division of the 5th Corps.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Feb 13 186[illegible] PENSION OFFICEIf I remember right a young man named Taylor was in charge of the Regt as Assistant Surgeon--Genl E. M. Gregory formerly commanding the Regiment will I think be able to give you his name and residence.
Genl. Gregory's address is 1st. Brigade, 1st Division, 5th Corps, Army of Potomac
Regressing my inability to serve you I am
Yours ResptflyI, John Donnel Capt Co "I" 91st P.V. Vols, on honor, certify that I was well acquainted with James Kiernan Private Co "I" 91st Pa Vols who was enrolled on the 20th day of September 1861: And was discharged the Service for disability at Sharpsburg Maryland on or about the 26th day of October 1862: that said James Kiernan on or about the 18th or 20th September 1862 contracted a severe cold which settled and produced severe inflammation of the throat disabling him from doing duty and for which disability he was discharged as aforesaid. He also contracted Hernia from severe physical efforts in marching to the battle of Antietam. That he was in good health at the time of entering the service and was a good soldier of uniform good conduct His diability was occasioned in the performance of duty and in the line of duty.
My knowledge of the above facts is obtained from the following source: from my personal knowledge, being at the time Sergeant of Co. "I" 91st P.V. of which I am now Captain
Respectfully,I Henry W Erdman 1st Lieutenant of Co "I" 91st Pa Vols: do on honor certify that I was acquainted with James Kiernan Private said Company "I" 91st Pa Vols: that said Kiernan contracted a disease of inflammation of the throat at Sharpsburg Washington County Maryland on or about the 18th or 20th of September 1862 just after the battle of Antietam. that he also had hernia occasioned by severe efforts in a march of many hours in searching the battle ground of Antietam that this disease and injury was contracted in the line of his duty. that at time of enlistment he was in good health. that my knowledge of these facts is derived from my personal knowledge being at that time a private in said Company "I" 91st Pa Vols: Kiernan was a good soldier and his disease and disability was [sic] contracted in the line of his duty.
H.W. ErdmanPersonally appeared before me the Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of said county Elizabeth Lichty aged 44 years and Bridget Flynn aged 53 years, both residents of the city of Lancaster in said county who being well known to me as respectable and entitled to full credit who after being duly affirmed according to law, says [sic] that they are well acquainted with Catharine Kiernan a resident of Lancaster City aforesaid, widow of James Kiernan private Co "I" 91st Regt. Penna. Vols. who died July 26. 1863; that they knew and were well acquainted with said James Kiernan before he entered the service of the U. States; that they, said James Kiernan and Catharine Kiernan lived and cohabited together as husband and wife for twenty and more years; that deponents lived as neighbors with said Kiernans during all said time and never knew, or heard any doubt expressed, but what they were bona fide husband and wife and were always reported and recognized as such by the community in which they lived. That witness or deponent Bridget Flynn is the sister in law of said Catharine Kiernan and as such has always lived on terms of intimacy together [sic].
That deponents knew said James Kiernan to be a remarkable [sic] healthy and robust man at the time he entered the service of the U. States; that they saw him on his return home on or about November 4th A.D. 1862; that he came home sick and continued sick until he died on or about the 26th day of July A.D. 1863; that they never knew or heard that the said James Kiernan was sick or had any kind of disease before
before [sic] entering the service of the United States; and that they have no interest direct or indirect in the prosecution of this claim.
Elizabeth LichtyAffirmed and Subscribed before me the ninth day of November Anno Domini 1864; and I certify that I have no interest direct or indirect in the prosecution of this claim
John Seldonridge Prothy.I do certify that I was well acquainted with James Kiernan private Co. "I" 91st Penna. Vols: that I attended upon and prescribed for him from some time in the early part of November 1862 upon his return from the Army, until on or about the 26th day of July 1863 the time of his death. When I first saw him he was suffering from severe inflammation of the throat [illegible word; seems to be 'fauces'] and glands, contracted as he informed me in the service. The inflammation continued with occasionally very severe hemorrhage producing extreme exhaustion. Kiernan was unable to engage in any employment but continued to grow weaker and emaciated from inability to swallow sufficient nourishment because of the inflamed or diseased condition of his throat, and died at his house in Lancaster Pennsylvania on or about the 26th day of July AD 1863. I do not know the origin of his disease nor from its nature can any surgeon tell with certainty the time or cause specially occasioning it. I treated Kiernan as a returned soldier without expectation of compensation and consequently kept no account nor [sic] memoranda of his case.
FA [?] Muhlenburg MDPersonally came before me Prothonotary in and for said County and State, the subscriber Dr. F. A Muhlenberg well known to me as a practising physician of long experience as a practitioner of good repute for skill and knowledge, respectable and entitled to full credit who being affirmed doth
say that the facts and statements set forth in the above and foregoing certificate are true to the best of his knowledge and belief, and that he has no interest direct or indirect in the prosecution of this claim.
F A Muhlenberg MDAffirmed and subscribed before me this tenth day of January AD 1865 and I do certify that I have no interest direct or indirect in the prosecution of this claim.
John Seldonridge Prothy.On this 25th day of August AD 1863 personally came before me an Alderman in and for the City of Lancaster County and State aforesaid the undersigned Dr Frederick A. Muhlenburg of the City of Lancaster County and State aforesaid, a regular practising Physician of [blank] years standing well known to me as one of the oldest and most esteemed of the Physicians of said City, respectable and entitled to full credit who being duly affirmed according to law doth say, that he was acquainted with James Kiernan late of said City, and as he verily believes late a private in Company I. 99th [sic] Regt of Penna Vols, that he attended him as his physician, sick with cancer of the throat and not of the tongue, that he was in attendance upon him immediately upon his return home after his discharge and continued to render him medical service up to his death: that the said Kiernan was not able to perform any labor or do any thing for the support of his family from the time of his discharge from the service up to his death, and further saith not.
F A Muhlenberg M.D.Affirmed and subscribed the day and year above written before me: and I certify that I have no interest direct or indirect in the prosecution of this claim
Wm B. WileyPersonally appeared before me an Alderman in and for the City of Lancaster County and State aforesaid Murthy Malone a resident of said City well known to me as respectable, who upon oath doth say that he was acquainted with James Kiernan deceased late a private co Co. I. 91st Pa Vols. that he knew him for some five years past. that in 1859-60 he worked as a laborer for deponent. that he has seen him often since, and once after he had enlisted that said Kiernan was to the best of his knowledge a sound healthy man. that he neither knew of nor heard the said Kiernan complain of any disease or affection whatever. and further saith not.
Murthy MaloneSworn and subscribed before me this 10th day of August AD 1863: And I certify that I have no interest in the prosecution of this claim.
Wm. B. WileyPersonally came before me an Alderman in and for the City of Lancaster County and State aforesaid the subscriber Timothy Maher, whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, who upon oath doth depose and say, that he was acquainted with James Kiernan deceased, late a private in Co. I 91st Pa Vols, having become acquainted with him in 1847- that the said Kiernan was in his the deponent's employ for about one year, and with the interval of about one month just prior to his entering the service of the United States. That said Kiernan was a healthy man, working steadily as a laborer in all weather: that he did not know of or hear the said Kiernan complain or speak of any disease, complaint or affection. and further saith not.
Timothy MaherSworn and subscribed before me this 10th day of August AD 1863: And I certify that I have no interest direct or indirect in the prosecution of this claim.
Wm. B. WileyPersonally came before me an Alderman in and for the City of Lancaster County and State aforesaid the undersigned Timothy Farrall of the City of Lancaster County and State aforesaid, whom I certify to be respectable, and entitled to credit who being sworn according to law doth say, that he was well acquainted with James Kiernan who enlisted in the Service of the United States in Co. I. 99th [sic] Regiment Pa. Vols. and who died towards the end of last month, July: knew him for ten or twelve years, in the City of Lancaster: saw him just before his enlistement and afterwards also: he was remarkably [sic] healthy man, accustomed to hard labor, never knew him to be sick, nor for years before his enlistment never heard him complain of any illness or affection. and further saith not.
Sworn and subscribed before me this twenty first day of August AD 1863, and I certify that I have no interest direct or indirect in the prosecution of this claim
Wm B. WileyYour favour of 14th [?] Nov last I received There is no officer in the 91st Reg that has the knowledge to make the required certificate in the case of Kiernan I have this day referred your letter to Dr Charles W. Houghton Dept [?] Surgeon at the time on duty at Alexandria requesting him to furnish the facts in the case and report them to you Houghton or Dr Knight surgeon of the Reg at that time now in charge of some Hospital in Western [sic] Virginia are the only ones I know can furnish the facts
I am Sir RespectfullyI do certify that I have been and am the family physician of the family of James Kiernan deceased late a private in Co. "I" 91st Penna Vols. and have been attending them for the past eight years, and during that time never prescribed for or knew the said James Kiernan to be sick, until after his return from the army discharged in 1862. After his return from the army I saw him and witnessed a severe hemorrhage from the throat. Dr F. A Muhlenberg a physician of long experience was then his attending physician. To the best of my knowledge and belief the said James Kiernan was in good health at the time he entered the service of the United States.
John L. Atlee [?] M.D.Personally came before me Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County the above named Dr John L Atlee [?] to me personally known as respectable and entitled to full credit who upon his oath doth say that the facts stated in the foregoing certificate are true to the best of his knowledge and belief. And I do certify that the said Dr John L Atlee [?] is a physician in full practice and regular standing and is the Examining Surgeon of the Board of Enrollment of this 9th District of Penna
John L. Atlee [?] M.D.Sworn and subscribed this 8th day of April AD 1865 and I do certify that I have no interest direct or indirect in the prosecution of this claim.
John SeldonridgeI do certify that was [sic] attending physician upon the family of James Kiernan deceased late a private of Co. "I" 91st Penna Vols: before my son John L Atlee seur [?] became such. During my attendance I was not called upon to prescribe for James Kiernan himself nor ever knew of his being sick until after his return from the Army.
Jno L Attlee M.D.Personally came before me Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County Dr John L Atlee Seur [?] well known to me as a practicing physician of high repute for skill and knowledge respectable and entitled to full credit, who upon his [blank] doth say that the facts stated in the above certificate are true to the best of his knowledge and beleif [sic] and that he is distinterested.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this twelfth day of April AD 1865 and I do certify that I have no interest direct or indirect in the prosecution of this claim
John Seldonridge| line | 25 | 26 |
| Dwelling number | 127 | |
| Family number | 132 | |
| Name | James Kearnan | Cath Kearnan |
| Age | 50 | 60 |
| Sex | m | f |
| Color | ||
| Occupation | Contractor | |
| Value of real estate owned | ||
| Value of personal estate | ||
| Place of birth | Ireland | Ireland |
| Married within year | ||
| Attended school within year | ||
| Cannot read & write | ||
| Deaf, dumb, blind, etc. |