Stephen Joseph McGroarty facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Stephen Joseph McGroarty
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| Native name |
Stephen Joseph McGroarty
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| Born | 1830 Mountcharles, County Donegal |
| Died | January 2, 1870 College Hill, Ohio |
| Buried |
Spring Grove Cemetery
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Brigadier General |
| Unit | 10th Ohio Infantry Regiment |
| Commands held | 50th Ohio Infantry Regiment 61st Ohio Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Stephen Joseph McGroarty (1830 – January 2, 1870) was a brave Irish American soldier. He served as an important leader in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He was known for his courage and dedication in battle.
Contents
Stephen McGroarty's Life Story
Early Years and Education
Stephen McGroarty was born in 1830 in Mountcharles, a town in Donegal, Ireland. When he was just three years old, his family moved to the United States. They settled in Cincinnati, Ohio.
In Cincinnati, Stephen went to St. Francis Xavier College for his education. After college, he worked in a dry-goods business with his uncle. This business sold items like fabric and clothing. After five years, he decided to study law instead. He became a lawyer and started his practice in Toledo. Later, he returned to Cincinnati, where he became a well-known lawyer.
Military Service in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began in 1861, Stephen McGroarty quickly joined the fight. He gathered a group of Irish Americans to form a company. They served together in the 10th Ohio Infantry for three months. After that, he signed up again with the 10th Ohio for three more years.
McGroarty showed great bravery early in the war. At the Battle of Carnifex Ferry, he was shot in his right lung. But as soon as he got better, he returned to the battlefield. The Governor of Ohio, David Tod, recognized his courage. He appointed McGroarty as a colonel, a high-ranking officer, of the 50th Ohio Infantry.
Later, the 50th Ohio Infantry joined with the 61st Ohio. McGroarty then commanded the 61st Ohio until the war ended. At the Battle of Peachtree Creek on July 20, 1864, he was badly wounded again. His left arm was shattered by a minié ball (a type of bullet). Even with this serious injury, he stayed with his soldiers throughout the entire battle. He was known for putting himself in danger to lead his men. Throughout the war, he received many injuries.
For his outstanding service and bravery, Stephen McGroarty was given a special honor. On May 1, 1865, he was made a brevet brigadier-general of volunteers. This meant he had the rank of brigadier general, even though he might not have commanded a full brigade.
Later Life and Burial
After the war, Stephen McGroarty continued to serve his community. He worked for two years as a collector of internal revenue. This job involved collecting taxes. Just before he passed away, he was elected as the clerk of the courts for Hamilton County, Ohio.
Stephen McGroarty died on January 2, 1870. His death was a result of the injuries he received during the war. He was first buried at Old St. Joseph's Cemetery in Cincinnati. In 1912, his remains were moved to Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati. He was reburied there next to his wife.
