St. Clair Augustine Mulholland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
St. Clair Augustine Mulholland
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St. Clair Mulholland
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| Born | April 1, 1839 Lisburn, County Antrim, Ireland |
| Died | February 17, 1910 (aged 70) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Place of burial |
Old Cathedral Cemetery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Major General |
| Commands held |  116th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Awards |  Medal of Honor |
St. Clair Augustine Mulholland (born April 1, 1839 – died February 17, 1910) was a brave soldier in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He became a colonel and later received special honorary ranks of brigadier general and major general. He also earned the Medal of Honor for his courage during the Battle of Chancellorsville.
Biography of a Civil War Hero
St. Clair Mulholland was born in Lisburn, County Antrim, Ireland. When he was a boy, he moved to Philadelphia with his family. From a young age, he was very interested in military life. He joined a local army group called the militia.
When the Civil War started, he was made a lieutenant colonel in the 116th Pennsylvania Infantry regiment. This group was part of the famous Irish Brigade. Later, when his regiment became smaller, he agreed to take a lower rank and became a major.
Key Battles and Bravery
Mulholland was hurt during the Battle of Fredericksburg on December 13, 1862. This happened during a famous charge by the Irish Brigade.
At the Battle of Chancellorsville in May 1863, he showed great courage. He led his regiment and saved the cannons of the 5th Maine Battery. These cannons had been left behind and were in danger of being captured by the enemy. For this brave act, he was praised by his commanders. He later received the Medal of Honor from the U.S. Congress. During this battle, he was also put in charge of the lookout team. He helped protect the Army of the Potomac as they pulled back across the Rappahannock River.
Mulholland was wounded two more times in 1864. He was hurt at the Battle of the Wilderness and again at Po River. Even after being wounded at Po River, he only stayed in the hospital for ten days. He quickly returned to lead his troops. He was seriously wounded a fourth time at the Battle of Totopotomoy Creek. He recovered fast and led his brigade in battles around Petersburg. He was especially brave when his troops stormed a fort on the Boydton Plank Road. Mulholland left the army on June 3, 1865.
Honorary Ranks
After the war, President Andrew Johnson suggested Mulholland receive an honorary rank. This was the rank of brigadier general of volunteers. It was given for his actions at the Battle of the Wilderness. The U.S. Senate approved this on May 18, 1866.
Later, in 1869, President Johnson nominated him for another honorary rank. This was major general of volunteers. It was for his bravery at the Boydton Plank Road. The Senate approved this on February 16, 1869. This was the last honorary major general rank given for service during the Civil War.
Life After the War
After the war, St. Clair Mulholland returned to his normal life. In 1868, he became the Chief of Police in Philadelphia. He was known for keeping the police force and the city very organized.
Later, President Grover Cleveland appointed him as a United States Pension Agent. This meant he helped manage pensions for veterans. Presidents McKinley and Roosevelt kept him in this job.
Mulholland was also an expert on how prisons worked. He spent his free time studying art. He also gave talks and wrote about the Civil War. He wrote a history of his regiment, the 116th. He also wrote about all the people who received the Medal of Honor. He was a very active leader in the Catholic community in Philadelphia.
St. Clair Augustine Mulholland passed away on February 17, 1910, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was buried at Old Cathedral Cemetery in Philadelphia.
