Anne Kelly wrote: > > I am researching John Whitehead BYRON of the 69th NYSV. ---------------------- A John W. Byron was commissioned 2nd lieutenant in Company E, 88th NY on 21 Sep 1861; he was 21. Rose to become Major and as senior officer, he also took command of what was called the Consolidated Brigade; this was formed in mid-1864 when what was left of the NY regiments were brigaded with other NY units, while the 28th MA and 116th PA were brigaded elsewhere. He was promoted to LtCol in March 1865. John applied for an invalid pension in April 1879. His wife Mary Ann applied for a widow's pension in June 1909; she filed from Ohio. The service record states that in addition to being in the 88th NY, he had also been in the 69th NY, but it appears this was the NY State Militia, which was in Federal service for only a few months in '61 and fought at 1st Bull Run under Corcoran. A number of its members went on to form the nucleus of the NY volunteer regiments which formed Meagher's Irish Brigade. >From "The Irish Brigade and Its Campaigns" by D.P. Conyngham: "Captain J.W. Byron of Company E (88th NY) before consolidation, rejoined the regiment as adjutant - vice McClellan, killed at Gettysburg - November, 1863, and continued as such till June, 1864, when he was commissioned major. Was taken prisoner at the battle of Reams' Station, Virginia, August 25, 1864; was exchanged in February, 1865, and commissioned lieutenant-colonel, but was not mustered in. He was mustered out of service with the regiment, July, 1865. An active, intelligent officer." Dennis mailto:fran@ees.eesc.com