Charles G. Halpine facts for kids
Charles Graham Halpine (born November 20, 1829 – died August 3, 1868) was an Irish writer, journalist, and soldier. He is best known for his humorous writings under the pen name Miles O'Reilly. Halpine also served as a soldier during the American Civil War.
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About Charles Graham Halpine
Charles Graham Halpine was born in Oldcastle, County Meath, Ireland. His father was Rev. Nicholas John Halpin. Charles studied at Trinity College, Dublin until 1846. He first planned to become a doctor, but he liked law more. In his free time, he enjoyed writing for newspapers. After his father died and he married young, he decided to become a full-time journalist.
Moving to America
In 1851, Halpine moved to America. He settled in Boston and became an editor for The Boston Post. He also started a funny newspaper called The Carpet Bag with Benjamin Penhallow Shillaber, but it did not do well. Later, he moved to Washington. There, he worked as a reporter for The New York Times.
He then moved to New York City. He found work at the Herald newspaper. Soon, he was writing for many different magazines and papers. He did a lot of writing, but much of it was for a short time. He became an editor for the New York Times. In 1857, he became the main editor and part-owner of the New York Leader. This newspaper became very popular under his leadership.
Serving in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began in April 1861, Halpine joined the 69th New York infantry. He was quickly chosen as a lieutenant. He served for three months, as he had volunteered. After that, he joined General David Hunter's team as an assistant-adjutant-general. This role gave him the rank of major. He went with General Hunter to Missouri to help replace General John C. Frémont.
Halpine also went with General Hunter to Hilton Head. While there, he wrote many funny poems. He pretended to be an Irish soldier named "Miles O'Reilly." Some of these poems were printed in the New York Herald in 1862. Later, more of his writings were put into two books. These books were called Life and Adventures, Songs, Services, and Speeches of Private Miles O'Reilly (1864) and Baked Meats of the Funeral (1866).
Halpine later became an assistant-adjutant-general on General Henry W. Halleck's team. He had the rank of colonel in 1862. He also joined General David Hunter on a trip up the Shenandoah Valley in 1864. When he returned to New York, he left the army because his eyesight was poor. He was given the honorary rank of brigadier-general of volunteers.
Later Life and Work
After the war, Halpine made New York his home. He went back to writing and became an editor. Later, he owned the Citizen newspaper. This paper was started by a group of citizens to help improve New York City's government. In 1867, he was elected as the registrar for New York County. This job involved keeping official records.
Working so hard caused him to have trouble sleeping. Charles Graham Halpine passed away in New York City on August 3, 1868. Besides the "Miles O'Reilly" books, he also wrote Lyrics by the Letter H in 1854.
