IMO Philip E. Redmond (1840-1863)

Was he a good man or a bad man? A hero or a coward? I do not know. I only know he existed because he cropped up in several places while I was researching my great, great-grandmother, Bridget Hill Redmond. Bridget had five children listed in the Massachusetts State Census for 1855. Philip was the oldest. He was listed as 16 with the occupation of mariner.

By the 1860 census, his mother was listed as a widow with the occupation of washerwoman and 20-year old Philip was now a Currier in the leather industry, a position his father Edward had held before his death. The next mention of Philip to come up in my research was of his death in September, 1863. He died of Typhoid Fever in Washington, DC. The death notice stated he was married, but did not give the name of his spouse. I do not know if he had any children.

Further digging revealed that Philip entered the Union Army into the 9th Regiment, Massachusetts Infantry as a 2nd Lieutenant and left as a 1st Lieutenant. I do not have dates.

The above was the first concrete evidence I ever saw that a member of my family fought in the Civil War. I believe the manner of death indicates he also died a casualty of that war. In the event that other family descendants are as unaware of Philip as I was, I have chosen to memorialize him this Memorial Day.

Rest in Peace Philip Redmond. Your great, great niece.

Notes:
1. His siblings were Mary E. and Catharine (twins born 1842); John (1847); Joanna (my great-grandmother, 1850-1892).
2. His mother Bridget evidently remarried. Her last name on his death notice is given as Culliton.
3. Both his parents were born in Ireland. All their children were born in the United States.