James Dennis Brady facts for kids

James Dennis Brady (born April 3, 1843, died November 30, 1900) was an important figure in American history. He served as a U.S. Representative (a type of politician) for Virginia. He was also a brave officer in the American Civil War, fighting for the Union (the North). When he wasn't serving the public, he worked as a lawyer.

Early Life of James Brady

James Dennis Brady was born in Portsmouth, Virginia. His parents, Bartholomew and Elizabeth Brady, had moved from Ireland. Sadly, when James was young, his parents passed away during a serious illness outbreak in 1855 that affected many people in Portsmouth.

Serving in the Civil War

James Brady joined the army on March 9, 1861. He started as a private in Company A, 37th New York Volunteers. This group was part of the famous Irish Brigade.

Rising Through the Ranks

Brady quickly moved up in rank during the war. He became a Lieutenant, then Captain, Major, and finally a Colonel. He was one of the youngest Colonels in the Union Army's main fighting force, the Army of the Potomac. He left the army honorably on May 26, 1865.

Key Battles and Injuries

Colonel Brady fought in many major battles with the Irish Brigade. He led "The Color Company" (the group that carried the flag) in the Battle of Fredericksburg in 1862. He was wounded several times during the war, including injuries to his head, leg, mouth, and arm. Despite his injuries, he continued to serve bravely. General Hancock even praised him personally at the Battle of Fredericksburg.

Life After the War

After the Civil War ended, James Brady returned to Virginia. He brought back the flag of the Irish Brigade, which was a special tradition. He later gave this flag to the University of Notre Dame. He also wrote a book about the flag called Blue for the Union, Green for Ireland.

Public Service Roles

Brady continued to serve the public in different ways.

• He was elected Clerk of the Court in Portsmouth, serving from 1865 to 1877.
• President Hayes appointed him as the Collector of Internal Revenue for Virginia's second district. He held this job from 1877 to 1885, and again from 1889 to 1900.
• He also attended the Republican National Conventions in 1880, 1888, and 1896. These are big meetings where the Republican Party chooses its presidential candidate.

Becoming a U.S. Representative

In 1875, James Brady tried to become a Senator, but there were problems with the election results, and he didn't get the position. However, he didn't give up. He was later elected to the Forty-ninth Congress, serving as a U.S. Representative from March 4, 1885, to March 3, 1887. He decided not to run for re-election in 1886.

1884 Election Victory

In the 1884 election for the U.S. House of Representatives, James Brady won with 40.48% of the votes. He defeated George E. Rives, a Democrat, and Joseph P. Evans, an Independent Republican.

Later Life and Passing

James Dennis Brady passed away on November 30, 1900, in Petersburg, Virginia. He was buried in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Petersburg.