He was 20 years old when he enlisted in 1864 (3, 5). He was born in Ireland (3--the manuscript says 'Phila Ireland', but I assume 'Phila' was a mistake], 5). He was living in Philadelphia when he was enlisted (5).
He was a moulder (3).
He was 5 feet 6 inches tall, and had a fair complexion, hazel eyes, and dark hair (3, 5).
He enlisted and was mustered into service on 18 March 1864 (1, 3 [could be 16 Mar], 5 [18 Mar]). He was enlisted for three years, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by Snyder (3). He served as a private in company A (1).
He deserted--he never reported (1, 4, 5).
On 27 April 1864, Sinex asked that he be sent to the regiment (2). On 9 June 1864, he was reported gained as a recruit from depot (4). On 20 July 1864, he was reported dropped as a deserter (6).
1 Bates, Samuel Penniman. History of Pennsylvania volunteers, 1861-5. Harrisburg: B. Singerly, state printer, 1869-71. 5 volumes. 'Ninety-first regiment', volume 3, pages 186-233. (In the roster)
2 letter, Sinex to Marvin, 27 April 1864
3 company A descriptive roll, entry 148 (William Kearney)
4 consolidated morning report, 91st Pennsylvania, 9 June 1864 (Pri Kearney, co.E--I haven't identified anyone else this could be)
5 Civil War Veterans' Card File, available at the Pennsylvania State Archives, searched 11 Nov 2004 (William Kearney)
6 consolidated morning report, 91st Pennsylvania, 20 July 1864 (Private Kearny)
[I did not find an entry for him in the index on <www.ancestry.com> to the 1890 veterans' census]
[I did not find an entry for him in the index on <www.ancestry.com> to the pension index by name cards (searched April 2006)]