He was born in 1827/28, in Cavanah, Ireland. [sources: date: 3 (34 in 1862; the discharge certificate says he was 38 in 1863). place: 3]
When he enlisted, he was a laborer. [source: 3]
When he enlisted, he was 5 feet 6 inches high, and had a dark complexion, gray eyes, and brown hair. [source: 3 (the discharged certificate lists him as 5 feet 4 inches tall and with a ruddy complexion)]
On 6 November 1862, he enlisted, as a private, in company E, of the 91st Pennsylvania. J K Mason was the inspecting surgeon; he noted that Murry had had rheumatism 3 years earlier, and was in the habit of drinking, but certified he wa able to perform the duties of a soldier. [sources: 1, 2, 3]
He is listed on a Muster and Descriptive Roll of a Detachment of US Volunteers forwarded for the 91st, dated 8 November 1862, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. [source: 3]
On 19 February 1863, he was admitted, perhaps to Stone General Hospital, Washington DC. [source: 3]
On 18 March 1863, he was discharged on surgeon's certificate of disability, at Stone General Hospital, Washington DC. He was discharged because of chronic rheumatism and general debility, which the surgeon said was the result of age, intemperance, etc., and which the surgeon stressed existed before Murry enlisted [source: 3]
He is listed on a Descriptive list of deserters, dated Camp near Falmouth, Virginia, 24 March 1863, but his name is crossed out. The roll claims that he 'has been arrested as a deserter and [is] now confined in Fort Delaware', but that seems unlikely, since he had actually been discharged. Perhaps the fact that this roll lists him as being in company A is relevant; perhaps company E was informed that he was in hospital and (eventually) discharged, but company A was not. [source: 3]
1 index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania (Owen Murrey)
2 index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania (Owen Murry)
3 compiled service record, E 91 PA (Owen Murry)
I certify, that I have carefully examined the said Private Owen Murray of Captain Lentz Company, and find him incapable of performing the duties of a soldier because of Chronic Rheumatism and Genl. Debility the result of Age, Intemperance, +c. Disability existed Before Enlistment
I, Owen Murry born in Cavanah in the State of Ireland aged thirty four [?] years, and by occupation a Laborer DO HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGE to have volunteered this Sixth day of November 1862, to serve as a Soldier in the Army of the United States of America for the period of THREE YEARS, unless sooner discharged by proper authority: Do also agree to accept such bounty, pay, rations, and clothing, as are, or may be, established by law for volunteers. And I, Owen Murry do solemnly swear, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the United States of America, and that I will serve them honestly and faithfully against all their enemies or opposers whomsoever; and that I will observe and obey the orders of the President of the United States, and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to the Rules and Articles of War.
I CERTIFY, ON HONOR, That I have carefully examined the above named Volunteer, agreeably to the General Regulations of the Army, and that in my opinion he is free from all bodily defects and mental infirmity, which would, in any way, disqualify him from performing the duties of a soldier.
I CERTIFY, ON HONOR, That I have minutely inspected the Volunteer, Owen Murry previously to his enlistment, and that he was entirely sober when enlisted; that, to the best of my judgment and belief, he is of lawful age; and that, in accepting him as duly qualified to perform the duties of an able-bodied soldier, I have strictly observed the Regulations which govern the recruiting service. This soldier has Grey eyes, brown hair, Dark complexion [sic], is 5 feet 6 [sic] inches high.
I, Owen Murry desiring to VOLUNTEER as a Soldier in the Army of the United States, for the term of THREE YEARS, Do declare, That I am thirty four years and - months of age; that I have never been discharged from the United States service on account of disability or by sentence of a court-martial, or by order before the expiration of a term of enlistment; and I know of no impediment to my serving honestly and faithfully as a soldier for three years.