He was born in 1845/46, in Ireland or West Chester, Pennsylvania. [sources: 2 (19 in 1865), 5 (19 in 1865). place: 2 (Ireland), 5 (West Chester PA)]
When he enlisted, he was a teamster. [source: 5]
When he enlisted, he was 5 feet 6 inches tall, and had a dark complexion, blue eyes, and brown hair. [sources: 2, 5 (fair complexion, hazel eyes)]
He was a substitute. He enlisted and was mustered into service on 9 March 1865 or 27 March 1865. He was enlisted for one year, at West Chester, Pennsylvania, by Captain Christian. His enlistment was credited to the seventh congressional district. He was a private in company C or A. [sources: 1 (co.C 9 Mar 65), 2 (9 Mar 65, 4 (co.A 27 Mar 65), 5 (27 Mar 65), 6-10 (A C)]
He deserted on 30 June 1865 or was absent, sick, when the regiment mustered out. He was a private, in company A or C. [sources: 1 (deserted), 4, 5, 6-10]
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) (Philip J McElerey)
2 company C, descriptive book, entry 137 (Philip J McElerey)
3 company C, untitled list, probably of status at muster out, entry 122 (Philip J McElerey)
4 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) (Philip McElvy)
5 company A descriptive roll, entry 173 (Philip McElry [the 'r' is reasonably clear])
6 index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania (Philip J Macklin)
7 index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania (Philip J McEleney)
8 index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania (Philip J McElery)
9 index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania (Philip J McElry)
10 index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania (Philip J McElerey)