He was 26 years old when he was enlisted (6). He was born in Londonderry, Ireland (6).
When he was enlisted, he was a laborer (6).
He was 5 feet 6 inches tall, and had a fair complexion, blue eyes, and brown hair (6).
He was enlisted and mustered into service on 19 September 1861 (1, 6, 8). He was enlisted for three years, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by Captain Smith (6). He served as a private in company C (1).
On 7 May 1863, he was reported missing in action (3).
He fought at the Battle of Gettysburg (10).
On 30 December 1863, Sinex reported that he was one of 38 men who had less than fifteen months to serve who were unwilling to reenlist (2). On 2 January 1864, he was transferred to the 155th Pennsylvania Infantry, while those eligible were on veterans' leave (4).
He was wounded in 1864, by 30 May 1864 (11).
He mustered out near Petersburg, Virginia, on 20 September 1864, when his term expired (1, 5, 6, 8).
On 29 September 1865, he died (12).
On 11 April 1879, his widow applied successfully for a pension (9 [he], 12).
In 1890, his widow, Annie O'Neil, was living at 4743 Worth Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (8).
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, 30 December 1863
3 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 7 May 1863
(Pri Oneill)
[This could be John O'Neill]
4 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 2 January 1864 (Neil)
5 company C, register of men discharged, number 32 (Thomas ONeill)
6 company C, descriptive roll, entry 56 (Thomas ONiel)
7 company C, untitled list, probably of status at muster out, entry 50 (Thomas ONeill)
8 1890 US Census, Veterans' schedule, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Philadelphia, supervisor's district 1, enumeration district 506, page 2 (image 1669 on <www.ancestry.com>), searched February 2005 (Thomas O'Neil)
9 pension index, by name (Thomas O'Neill)
10 Pennsylvania Memorial, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (Thomas O'Neill)
11 'The Ninety-first Pennsylvania volunteers', Philadelphia Inquirer 8 June 1864 page 3 (Thomas O'Neil)
12 pension index, by regiment, 91st PA Infantry, company C (Thomas O'Neill)