James Lawlor Kiernan facts for kids
James Lawlor Kiernan (born October 26, 1837 – died November 29, 1869) was an important military leader. He was born in Ireland and became a Brigadier General in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Early Life and Joining the War
James Lawlor Kiernan was born in a place called Mountbellew, in County Galway, Ireland, in 1837. His father had been a surgeon in the British navy. James went to Trinity College, Dublin, which is a famous university. Around 1854, he moved from Ireland to the United States.
When the American Civil War began in 1861, James Kiernan decided to join the Union Army. He started as an Assistant Surgeon with the 69th New York Infantry Regiment. This meant he was a doctor helping soldiers. He worked as a surgeon at the Battle of Bull Run. Later, he also served as a surgeon for the 6th Missouri Infantry Regiment at the Battle of Pea Ridge.
From Surgeon to General
James Kiernan was not just a doctor; he wanted to fight on the battlefield too. He was very determined to join the combat troops. Because of his bravery, he was made a Major in the 6th Missouri Regiment.
In May 1863, during the Battle of Port Gibson in Missouri, he was badly hurt. He was shot in his left lung and was left on the battlefield, thought to be dead. But he survived! He was captured and became a prisoner. However, he managed to escape and made his way back to the Union forces. After this, he left his position as a Major.
On August 1, 1863, something amazing happened. President Abraham Lincoln himself made James Kiernan a Brigadier General of Volunteers. This was a very high rank! General Kiernan was then put in charge of a military post at Miliken's Bend, which was along the Mississippi River.
Later Life and Legacy
Sadly, General Kiernan's health was not good because of the serious wounds he received in battle. His injuries made it hard for him to continue serving in the army. Because of his poor health, he had to resign from his position as a general on February 3, 1864.
Around May 1865, he took a job working for the United States government in Chinkiang, China. He was a consul, which means he helped American citizens living or traveling there. But his health problems continued, and he had to return to New York.
Back in New York, he became a doctor who examined people for the Pension Bureau. This bureau helped soldiers who were injured or retired. James Lawlor Kiernan was still working there when he passed away on November 29, 1869. The official reason for his death was 'congestion of the lungs,' likely related to his old war wounds. He is buried in Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York.
