He was born in 1819/20 (2 (41 in 1861)). He was born in Tirone County Ireland (2).
When he enlisted, he was a laborer (2).
When he enlisted, he was 5 feet 9 inches tall, had a dark complexion, grey eyes, and dark hair (2).
He enlisted and was mustered into service for three years in company E on 9 September 1861, at Philadelphia Pennsylvania (2, 4). (Bates (1) has 9 September 1863, which is obviously a mistake, given the date Bates has him deserting.) He was enlisted by Captain Lentz, and mustered into service by Colonel Reiff (2).
He deserted on 8 October 1861, at Philadelphia Pennsylvania (1, 2, 3). He was a private, in company E (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 64
3 register of deserters, company E, entry 2 (John McKnight)
4 index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania (John McKnight)