David Ireland
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David Ireland (1832 - 1864)

Colonel David Ireland
Born in Forfar, Forfarshire, Angus, Scotlandmap
Son of and
Brother of , , , and
Husband of — married 26 Aug 1863 in Sherman D. Phelps Home, Binghamton, Broome County, New York, USAmap
Died at age 32 in Old Stone Presbyterian Church War Time Hospital, Atlanta, Fulton County, United States of Americamap
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Profile last modified | Created 23 Feb 2014
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Contents

Biography


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Col David Ireland served in the

137th New York Regiment


Roll of Honor
Colonel David Ireland Died in Military Service during the United States Civil War.

Image: Union_and_Confederate_service_badges-3.gif

David was born on 9 May 1832 and christened on the 28th of May 1832. He is the son of Charles Ireland and Barbara Neave. [1]
David's father must have been a tradesman since he and his family resided in the lowlands. Like many other families living in Scotland, Charles emigrated his family from Scotland and immigrated to the United States. David would have been 9 or 10 years old at this time. It is highly likely the Ireland family relocated to the United States using the Assisted Emigration Bounty System.[2] Lowlanders were forced to leave their birthplace by a combination of low wages, poor housing conditions and unemployment.

Military Service

  • David volunteered his services in 1858 to the 79th Cameron Highlanders an un-official New York State Militia: however, on the 9th of Jun in 1859 New York would officially recognize this unit as a state militia. The name was then changed to the 79th New York Volunteers, commanded by Col. James Cameron.[3]
It's quite interesting to note that the 79th Highland Guard was first created as a social club. They affectionately considered themselves "The 79th Cameron Highlanders". James Cameron provided the financing for this social club and was later commissioned as the Colonel. James is the brother of the Secretary of the State, Simon Cameron. The main duty of the 79th Cameron Highlanders was to escort the Prince of Wales and other dignitaries when they visited. [4]
  • Col. David Ireland is listed as one of the foreign valuable Officers to serve in the US Civil War.
US Civil War Service
  • In April of 1861 after the surrender of Fort Sumter to the Southern Confederacy; President Lincoln issued a proclamation calling for 75,000 volunteers. His proclamation stated, "Have we a county to save, and shall we save it?"[5] The words of President Lincoln's Proclamation were so inspiring that a native born lad from Scotland, David Ireland, apprenticed tailor to his father, answered that call by volunteering the next month. US Americans should all be thankful this man answered the call as he was pivotal in the victory of the Civil War.
  • David enlisted in the United States Army on 29 May 1861. He stated that he was 28 years old in the state of New York. He was assigned to the same unit that he volunteered for in 1858, the 79th New York Volunteers Regiment, which was mustered into Federal Service on 29 May 1861. Thus begins David's combat duty.
  • David did not survive the War; however, he was not killed in action. He dies from sickness. Given that Col. David Ireland fought for the Union side during the US Civil War and is hailed as one of the war heroes, he was not a citizen of the United States and therefore, was not awarded any medals for his service. He is listed as serving as a foreign officer from the country of Scotland. [6]
  • Service Record:[7]
    • 29 May 1861
    • Promoted to Full 1st Lieutenant
    • 1 Jun 1861
    • Commissioned an officer in Company S, New York 79th Infantry Regiment
    • Promoted to Captain
    • 12 Sep 1861
Received authorization to recruit members on 31 August 1862. He recruited the members of the 137th New York Regiment. [8]
He mustered out his men of the 137th New York Regiment.

* The Serving Men of 137th New York Regiment

  • 13 Sep 1862
  • Promoted to Full Colonel
  • 10 Sep 1864
  • Mustered out at Atlanta, GA.

Civil War Battles

Battle of Bull Run

  • 21 Jul 1861 (Volunteer)
Lt. Ireland served with the 79th NY Volunteers serving with W. T. Sherman's Third Brigade. This is the first battle that kicked off the Civil War and the men were not familiar with war and did not handle the situation very well. Col. James Cameron was killed in action and this prompted many of the officers to resign while still others mutinied. Gen. McClellan put down the mutiny and took away the unit colors. Lt. Ireland took command.

Lewinsville Ambush

  • 11 Sep 1861 (Volunteer)(Promoted to Captain)
Capt. David Ireland led the 160 officers and men of the 79th New York Regiment to march at 1:00 a.m. He marched them through various paths avoiding enemy pickets to arrive at day-break.
Capt. Ireland then divided his men into two wings and instructed them to lie in ambush for the enemy force that was likely to fall back from Lewinsville.
In recognition of Lt. Ireland's victory, Gen. McClellan restored the regiment's colors. He also promoted David Ireland to Captain and assigned him to the 15th U.S. Infantry. This was a regular army regiment and an unusual honor for a volunteer officer.

Battle of Chancellorsville

  • 30 Apr to 6 May 1863
Col. Ireland's men, the 137th New York Regiment, arrived in the early afternoon on 30 April 1863. He instructed his me to lie in a wood of small growth trees. It was while they were attempting to cook some fresh meat they discovered the smoke rising caused the enemy to send shells whizzing and bursting down among them. The men instead ate raw beef and were very grateful. They once again saw heavy exchange of fire and were forced to remain in the trenches. At one point, one of the soldiers caught a shell with the fuse on fire: he promptly threw it over the breastworks. His regiment was often referred to by General Greene as displaying great coolness and good discipline in all movements.

Battle of Resaca ??

Battle of Resaca

  • 15 May 1864
In the afternoon: Col. Ireland issued the command to his men to not try and engage the enemy, but to instead lie down fifteen yards away and open fire on the enemy's breastworks atop the hill. His men inflicted few casualties but they were successful in forestalling attempts by the Confederates to retrieve their guns.[9]
In the evening: Col. Ireland was wounded by a piece of shell during heavy exchange of gun fire, and the command of his brigade devolved upon Colonel Cobham.[10]

Battle of Peachtree Creek

  • 20 Jun 1864
Col, Ireland's Regiment were aroused in the morning by the attack of the enemy. They immediately fell in, and during their march by the right flank to form up on alongside the 149th they found themselves positioned almost directly upon the enemy's line of battle. The regiment held it's ground under heavy attack. The right wing was in a deep ravine and not able to fight effectively and were ordered by Col. Ireland to fall back about 300 yards. Here they reformed and joined the brigade to assist in building temporary breastworks. This is the line they held until the conclusion of the battle.

Battle of Gettysburg, (Culp's Hill) ??

Battle of Gettysburg (Culp's Hill)

  • 2 Jul 1863

On the 2nd of July in the year of 1863, at about 8:00 p.m:

Confederate Commander Brigadier General George H. Steuart gave his order to assault General George Sears Greene’s extreme right. The regiment holding that position was the 456 men of the 137th New York Volunteers AKA “The Ironsides” commanded by Col. David Ireland.
"Suddenly an artillery duel, the like of which this continent had never known, burst upon us. Probably nearly 1OO cannon were blazing away, and the roar of the explosions, with the shrieking and whizzing of shells, surpassed all possible description. The writer was, at that time, in a position to see all along the center of our line, where the artillerymen, midst fire and smoke, were loading and firing as rapidly as they could. All the loose elements of the army, sutlers, hostlers, visitors, etc., were scurrying to the rear as fast as their legs or horses could carry them. Excepting for Col. David Ireland's Ironsides: "The officers and men behaved admirably during the whole of the contest."[11]
The Confederate fire has heavy and intense when the 71st Pennsylvania Regiment arrived to reinforce the Culp’s Hill and were directed to Col. Ireland’s right, which slowed the momentum of the advancing Confederate force of General Steuart. There must have been confusion because the 71st Pennsylvania Regiment exchanged several volleys then retreated at the height of the attack. This unusual strategy left the Union right, Col. David’s, Ironsides, in a very critical position. Seeing the retreat of the 71st Pennsylvania Regiment, General Greene sent 147th New York Regiment, to the immediate aid of Col. Ireland’s Ironsides.
Col. Ireland’s men, the Ironsides, were fielding fire from three sides. In an attempt to salvage his men, Col. Ireland orders his line to advance through the dark, smoky air traveling behind the stacked wood, rocks, and brush that was standing perpendicular to the brigade line. This maneuver placed the Ironsides into a position of facing their attackers head on. This strategy kept the Confederates at bay, but he needed more men to hold it. The reinforcements of the 147th New York Regiment arrived just in time to help stop General Steuart’s troops.
Thank goodness for Col. Ireland's Ironsides. Their heroic defense is the reason that General Steuart's men did not realize they had almost unlimited access to the main line of communication for the Union army. The Baltimore Pike was a mere 600 yards to their front. Col. Ireland's Ironsides prevented a huge disaster from befalling Meade's army, although they never received the publicity for this heroic feat.

Battle of Lookout Mountain ??


Battle of Lookout Mountain - Chattanooga Campaign

  • 24 Nov 1863
Col. Ireland expected his regiment to cross Lookout Creek at dawn; however, they were delayed by the high water until 8:30 a.m. His regiment was the second to cross and he ordered them to form up on the left and became the center of Brig. Gen. John W. Geary's battle line. His regiment from that time on was constantly engaged in skirmishes till 11:30.
Brig. Gen. John C. Moore's Alabamians were moving up in the middle of the Brig. Gen. Edward C. Walthall's retreating men when they opened up fire on Col. Ireland's Ironsides 100 yards away. Col. Ireland was not able determine the size of the attacking force to resist it through the fog so he ordered his men to retreat behind a stone wall. Moore ordered his men to take up positions in rifle pits facing the wall. There they waited for the inevitable counterattack. Col. Ireland's men were too exhausted from skirmishing to make an immediate move. Whitaker's brigade arrived and they stepped over Ireland's men and rushed into the attack. Col. Ireland seeing his men losing face inspired them to charge ahead and combine with Whitaker's men.

Battle of Ringgold Gap

  • 27 Nov 1863
Col. David Ireland is in command of the 2nd Brigade of Brigadier General Geary´s division and arrives in Ringgold at about 10 am. He marches his men directly through the town to take shelter in the lee of the stone depot. Orders are received to relieve some of General Osterhaus´ regiments that are being hard pressed by the Confederates.
Col. Ireland immediately orders his brigade forward to arrive at the front the brigade having to cross an open field while being subjected murderous fire of musketry and artillery. The brigade moved in perfect order and rank even though they met a large numbers of Union troops running to the rear in disorder. Such was the devotion and love that his men had for him. They would follow this man to their death.
Having crossed the murderously dangerous field; the brigade marches along the banks of Chickamauga Creek till reaching an old barn at the gap. Here they are instructed to form with the 149th New York Regiment. Taking up a position on the right. These men were subjected to a grilling fire from sharpshooters secreted up Taylor's Ridge and from Semple´s Battery in the gap. A few good sharpshooters were selected and were given instructions to shelter themselves while watching the artillery men and the sharpshooters of the enemy. They were ordered to not waste their ammunition or expose themselves. The position was re-enforced by constructing a breastwork from an old wagon that had been filled with rails. The enemy fired canisters of grape shot at the barn during the construction of the breastworks, and although splinters flew in every direction no one was injured. This position was held till the Union artillery opened fire on the Confederates.

Civilian Life

  • In 1860[12] David is living in New York City, Broome County, New York, USA with his widowed Mother. They resided at Washington and Gansevoort Street in lower Manhattan. The age provided is 26 years. At this time his occupation is listed as a "Clerk in Express" having a value of $1,000 for personal estate. Scotland is given for his birth place.
  • David attended the 29 Apr 1862 Civil War Event hosted at Judge Sherman's mansion on Court Street. Judge Sherman's niece, is serving in the capacity of hostess. David meets the lovely Sara Phelps and falls in love. He returns a year later to marry.
  • Marriage
    • 26 Aug 1863 David married the niece of Judge Sherman Phelps. The marriage took place in the home of Sara's Uncle. It is evident that Col. David Ireland is a much loved patriot; even by the press. The Marriage announcement read, "The gallant Col. Ireland, of the 137th Regiment, it will be seen by our marriage column, has been on a recruiting trip to this village. We congratulate him upon his selection of an aide-de-camp, and wish him a smooth and prosperous campaign in the battle of life."[13]


Burial

  • Obituary
"It is a painful duty to announce the death of Col. David Ireland." then adds this portion: "We understand she was expecting soon a visit from her husband. He is on his way, but alas, comes in the sad habiliments of the dead - another noble martyr to the cause of the Union."[14]


  • The Following correspondence was sent to all of the New York Papers from ATLANTA, Saturday, Sept. 10, 1864 and appeared in the New York Times. That his old regiment took the time to perform this service of respect speaks volumes as to the personality and character of Col. David Ireland. Below is the letter as it appeared in the New York Times in 1864.[15]
Below I send you a copy of the resolutions adopted by a meeting of the officers belonging to the Third Brigade, Second Division. Twentieth Army Corps, on the occasion of the death of Col. IRELAND, formerly commanding the brigade:
Whereas, The sudden and untimely death of Col. DAVID IRELAND, late commanding Third Brigade, Second Division, Twentieth Army Corps, wrings our hearts with anguish and bows our heads with unfeigned sorrow, we deem the present the most fitting occasion to express the sentiments and feelings of the officers and men of the brigade he has so well and ably commanded, upon the private worth and patriotism of the deceased, as well as our own great misfortune in the loss of so gallant a commander and beloved friend; therefore.
Resolved, That the private virtues, social disposition, amiable manner and courteous bearing of the deceased endeared him to all with whom he came in contact, either in private or public intercourse, and each member of his personal staff and those comprising his private military family, regarded him as a warm-hearted, kind and benevolent parent and friend.
Resolved, That the manly public spirit and exalted patriotism exhibited by the deceased in responding to the call of his country for brave soldiers, to defend and preserve the Constitution and Union of the United States in the hour of danger as well as the heroic and chivalrous manner in which he always faced the dangers of the battle-field, entitle his name to be inscribed high on the roll of honor and handed down to posterity as one of the best and bravest of our country's heroes.
Resolved, That his untimely death, as it were "On the field of his fame and his glory," while the glad paeans of glorious victory are resounding throughout the length and breadth of the land, admonish us all that life is fleeting and existence uncertain, and it behooves every man to set his house in order, and always be prepared for the emergencies of war or disease.
Resolved, That the disinterested patriotism, manly virtues, gallant and soldierly conduct of the deceased, furnish a bright example for all to follow, and our zealous aim should be to emulate his virtues and imitate his glorious example.
Resolved, That we are at a loss for words sufficiently expressive of our sympathy with the bereaved family of the deceased. The sad and mournful intelligence of his death must fall on the heart of his amiable and devoted wife like a clap of thunder in a clear sky, crushing the affectious, rending the heartstrings and lacerating the feelings of one devotedly attached to her soldier-hero and affectionate bosom companion. We feel powerless to do more than point with melancholy pride to the heroic fame and glorious reputation of the heroic deceased, and offer our heartfelt condolence, in this hour of affliction. May He who "tempers the wind to the shorn lamb" comfort the bereaved relatives in their hour of sorrow.
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be transmitted to the family of the deceased, and also a copy be furnished to each of the Binghampton papers and New-York TIMES for publication.

Sources

  1. ↑ Baptismal Record, Scotland, Births and Baptisms, 1564-1950 FamilySearch index, David Ireland, 09 May 1832; citing , reference ; FHL microfilm 993432.
  2. ↑ Ships sailing from Scotland with Bounty Emigrants under the Government System
  3. ↑ History of the 79th New York Volunteers 79th in honour of the British 79th Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
  4. ↑ http://piperbasenji.blogspot.com/2013/03/tip-and-major-civil-war-dogs.htm
  5. ↑ President Lincoln's Proclamation.
  6. ↑ Townsend, Thomas S. The Honors of the Empire State in the War of the Rebellion. 1889. New York: A. Lovell & Co., , 1889. 85. Print.
  7. ↑ Report of the Adjutant General 79th New York Infantry; Page 912, Ireland David.
  8. ↑ New York State Military Museum Quoting; New York in the War of the Rebellion, 3rd ed. Frederick Phisterer. Albany: J. B. Lyon Company
  9. ↑ Page 175, Castel, Albert. DECISION IN THE WEST: THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN OF 1864. University Press of Kansas. Lawrence, Kansas. 1992. See Also; Report of the Adjutant General 137th New York Infantry Roster; Page 947, Ireland David
  10. ↑ THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: OFFICIAL RECORDS OF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES. Published under the direction of the Secretary of War. Washington: Government Printing Office. 1890-91
  11. ↑ Final Report of the Battle of Gettysburg, Vol 111 Page 942, Publisher; Albany: J. B. Lyon Company
  12. ↑ 1860 US Census, Ward 9, District 3, New York, Broome County, New York State
  13. ↑ Marriage Announcement, Aug 1863 Binghamton Republican
  14. ↑ 10 Sep 1978, Binghamton Press
  15. ↑ Barnum, H. A. Col. "The Death of Col. Ireland Resolutions of Respect from His Old Brigade." New York Times [New York] 02 Oct 1864, n. pag. Web. 11 Mar. 2014.
  • Scotland, Births and Baptisms, 1564-1950
  • New York: Report of the Adjutant-GeneralInformation provided by HDS subscribers
  • Dyer: A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
  • The American Annual Cyclopedia and Register of Important EventsHeitman: Register of United States Army 1789-1903
  • New York State Library/Manuscripts and Special Collections
  • Find A Grave: Memorial #19204
  • Wikipedia David Ireland





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Col David Ireland
Col David Ireland


Comments: 5

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J-276 Paula J
Excellent profile, Terri!!
posted by Paula J
Gunther-113 Russ Gunther KT CH
Hello Terri,

Please update the Colonel's "Wounded in Action" category (this is a misnamed category) to: Category: American Civil War, WIA, Union

thanks!

posted by Russ Gunther KT CH
Cole-2636 Steve Cole
My ancestor Cole-20 was in Walthall's brigade and was captured at the battle of Lookout Mountain.
posted by Steve Cole
Brown-8212 Abby (Brown) Glann
Hi Terri! I am glad you mentioned this profile in your email. I plan on making it my first Military Monday post. Let me know if there is anything specific about David you would like me to point out in the summary I will give with the link to his profile. Great job, and keep up the good work!
posted by Abby (Brown) Glann
Wright-7062 Terry Wright
Hi Terri there is a template for the military that died while in service that were not KIA Died in Military service
posted by Terry Wright

Rejected matches › David Ireland (abt.1830-)

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Categories: Spring Forest Cemetery, Binghamton, New York | 137th Regiment, New York Infantry, United States Civil War | Wounded in Action, United States of America, United States Civil War | Nominated Profiles | 79th Regiment, New York Infantry, United States Civil War | First Battle of Bull Run | Battle of Chancellorsville | Battle of Resaca | Battle of Gettysburg | Chattanooga Campaign | Died in Military Service, United States of America, United States Civil War