He was born in 1842/43 (3 (18 in 1861). He was born in Philadelphia Pennsylvania (3).
When he enlisted, his occupation was gentleman (that is, he wasn't working) (3).
When he enlisted, he was 5 feet 3 inches tall, had a light complexion, blue eyes, and brown hair (3).
He enlisted and was mustered into service for three years in company E on 6 September 1861, at Philadelphia Pennsylvania (1, 3, 12, 13). He was enlisted by Captain Lentz, and mustered into service by Captain Starr (3).
He deserted at Falmouth, Virgina, on or about May (4) or 6 June 1863, and was caught in Philadelphia on or about 24 January 1864, in civilian clothing (5). The regiment may have reported him gained from desertion and in arrest at Fort Mifflin, on 2 May 1864 (7).
On 10 September 1864, the regiment apparently reported him discharged because his term had expired (8).
He was charged with desertion, before a general court martial (Alexandria VA, Lt Col J Steadman 42nd Mass Vols, President), convened on 13 September 1864 (5, 11). On 5 October 1864, he was found guilty, and sentenced (5; see also 9):
to lose all pay and allowances due him
to forfeit ten dollars per month for fifteen months
to make good all the time lost by his desertion
On 3 November 1864, he was reported returned to the regiment under guard (10).
On 7 June 1865, he was detailed for duty in the 1st division quartermaster corps (6).
He died on 18 June 1865 (1), of disease (2). He was a private, in company E (12, 13). He was buried in National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia (1).
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 list of deaths, company E
3 descriptive roll, company E, entry 63 (Dennis McCarty)
4 register of deserters, company E, entry 12
5 general order 75, headquarters, Military Governor, Alexandria Virginia, 5 October 1864
6 special order 70, headquarters, 1st division 5th corps, 7 June 1865
7 consolidated morning report, 91st Pennsylvania, 2 May 1864 (Pri McCartney [uncertain ID])
8 consolidated morning report, 91st Pennsylvania, 10 September 1864 (Pri Dennis McCarty)
9 consolidated morning report, 91st Pennsylvania, 31 October 1864 (Priv McCarty)
10 consolidated morning report, 91st Pennsylvania, 3 November 1864 (Dennis McCarty)
11 National Archives Archival Research Catalog (accessed 24 July 2010) (Denis McCarty)
12 index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania (Dennis McCaretty)
13 index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania (Dennis McCarty)