Patrick Robert Guiney facts for kids
Patrick Robert Guiney was an important soldier during the American Civil War. He was born in Parkstown, County Tipperary, Ireland, on January 15, 1835. Later, he moved to the United States and became a lawyer and a brave military leader. He passed away in Boston on March 21, 1877.
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Patrick Guiney's Early Life and Education
Patrick Robert Guiney was the oldest son of James Roger Guiney and Judith Macrae. When Patrick was very young, his father moved to New Brunswick in Canada. Later, his mother and younger brother, William, joined them. The family eventually settled in Portland, Maine, in the United States.
Working Hard to Learn
As a young boy, Patrick started working early to help his family. He worked in a rope factory and later as an apprentice to a machinist. But Patrick really wanted to learn more. He went to public grammar school and then to College of the Holy Cross in Worcester. He had to leave college after about a year because he didn't have enough money.
Becoming a Lawyer
Even though he couldn't finish college, Patrick didn't give up on his dream of learning. He studied law with a judge and became a lawyer in Lewiston, Maine, in 1856. He focused on criminal law cases. Patrick was also involved in politics and was a member of the Republican party.
Family Life Before the War
In 1859, Patrick married Janet Margaret Doyle in Holy Cross Church, Boston. They had one son who died as a baby, and a daughter named Louise Imogen Guiney, who grew up to be a famous poet. Their happy family life in Roxbury, Boston was changed when the Civil War began.
Patrick Guiney's Role in the Civil War
When the American Civil War started, Patrick Guiney was ready to serve his country. He knew a lot about military training. He chose to join the army as a private soldier, even though he was offered a higher rank. He wanted to set an example and help recruit soldiers for the 9th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment.
Rising Through the R Ranks
By June 1861, Patrick Guiney had become a captain. He worked hard and showed great courage. In July 1862, he became a Lieutenant-Colonel and took command of his regiment after the first colonel was wounded. He was praised for his bravery and quick thinking, especially at the Battle of Gaines's Mill in Virginia. During this battle, when several flag-bearers were shot, Colonel Guiney bravely grabbed the flag himself. He inspired his soldiers to keep fighting and helped turn the battle around.
Key Battles and an Injury
Colonel Guiney fought in more than thirty battles during the war. Some of these important battles include the Battle of Antietam, the Battle of Fredericksburg, and the Battle of Chancellorsville. His regiment, the 9th Massachusetts, was also at the Battle of Gettysburg but was on picket duty, so they missed the main fighting on the second day.
In 1864, during the Battle of the Wilderness, Guiney was often in command of his brigade. He had been lucky to avoid serious injury in many dangerous fights. However, on May 5, 1864, a sharpshooter shot him in the face. The bullet badly damaged his left eye, and doctors thought the wound would be fatal. But Guiney insisted on an operation, which saved his life. He was honorably discharged from the United States Volunteers on June 21, 1864.
Becoming a Brigadier General
For his brave and excellent service during the war, Patrick Guiney was nominated for an honorary rank. On February 21, 1866, President Andrew Johnson nominated him to be a brevet brigadier general. This means he received the honorary title of general for his wartime actions. The United States Senate confirmed this award on April 10, 1866.
Life After the Civil War
After the war, General Guiney's health was not good because of his injury. Even so, he continued to serve the public. He ran for United States Congress but was not elected.
Public Service and Legal Work
From 1866 to 1870, he worked as an assistant district attorney. Even though he could no longer argue cases in court because of his health, he worked as a consulting lawyer on many important local cases.
Fighting Corruption
His last major effort was dedicated to fighting corruption in the Probate Court of Suffolk County, Massachusetts. He had become the registrar of this court in 1869 and served until 1877. He worked hard to make sure things were fair and honest.
General Guiney died suddenly on March 21, 1877. He was found near his home in a small park. He was a respected member of several organizations, including the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States and the Catholic Union of Boston. He also wrote some literary criticism and a few poems.
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