Col. David Ireland
Born: Forfar, Scotland, 1832
His family immigrated to New York City, 1840
Joined NYS militia circa 1852
First Lieutenant and Adjutant, 79th NYSV, 1861
- A MEMORIAL SERVICE for COL. DAVID IRELAND was held at Binghamton's Spring Forest Cemetery on Sept. 11, 2004, at 11am. Sponsored by the 137th NY Reenactors, the Binghamton Civil War Roundtable, and the Sons of Union Veterans. View photos on website http://www.nycivilwar.us.
- David Ireland was born in Forfar, Forfarshire (Angus) Scotland, May 9, 1832
- As Adjutant of the 79th NY "Cameron Highlanders",served under Col. James Cameron in W.T. Sherman’s Brigade at First Bull Run
- Led 79th as acting commander in raid at Lewinsville, Aug. 1861 - restoring the regiment’s reputation and color
- Promoted to Captain, Regular Army, 15th US by McClellan, Aug. 1861
- Assigned to train new volunteer regiments for Sherman at Newport Barracks, KY, Sep. 1861
- Assigned to recruiting duty for 15th US in upstate New York at Binghamton, January 1862
- Chosen as commander of the new 137th Regiment, NYSV, and promoted to Colonel, August 1862.
- Trained the 137th NY at Camp Susquehanna in Binghamton, September 1862
- Trained the 137th NY in camp at Pleasant Valley, Md., and Bolivar Heights, Va., October-November 1862, and at Aquia Creek, Va., Jan. -May 1863
- Led the 137th in distinguished action at Chancellorsville, April 30- May 6, 1863
- Led the 137th in 200 mile march to Pennsylvania, June 1863
- Led his regiment in the heroic defense of Culp’s Hill at Gettysburg, the night of July 2, and the morning of July 3, 1863
- Married Sara Phelps, niece of Judge Sherman Phelps, Binghamton, NY, August 26, 1863
- Led the 137th to victory in bitter battle of Wauhatchie, and at Lookout Mtn
- Became Third Brigade Commander after critical wounding of Gen. Greene at Wauhatchie
- Established a resettlement city for freed slaves outside Stevenson, Alabama, January 186
- Wounded leading the brigade at Resaca, Georgia, May 1864, returned to duty shortly thereafter
- Led his brigade through the battles culminating in victory at Atlanta, September 1864
- Died in hospital at Atlanta, September 10, 1864, after a four-day illness (dysentery)
- Buried in Spring Forest Cemetery, Binghamton, NY, September 17, 1864
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