Patrick Henry Jones, Union General From Co. Meath, Born

Patrick Henry Jones (November 20, 1830 – July 23, 1900) was an American lawyer, public servant and Postmaster of New York City from 1869 to 1872. As Postmaster, he was responsible for overseeing postal operations and services in one of the largest and busiest cities in the United States during that period, and was appointed to the position of Postmaster of New York City by President Ulysses S. Grant in 1869.

Stewart Bodysnatching Case

In 1878, he was involved in the Alexander T. Stewart bodysnatching case when he was contacted by the kidnappers to act as an intermediary between themselves and the Stewart estate. When negotiations stalled between the Stewart family’s lawyer Henry Hilton, he assisted Stewart’s widow in negotiating for the return of her husband’s body.

Military Career

Jones also had a successful military career serving with the Union Army during the American Civil War, being involved in thirty major battles and countless skirmishes, and reaching the rank of brigadier general before the war’s end. He was one of ten Irish-Americans to become brigade commanders and one of four Irish born officers to become a divisional commander.

Irish Rifles

Upon the outbreak of the American Civil War, Jones readily joined the Union Army. On July 07, 1861, he enlisted with the 37th New York Volunteers, popularly known as the “Irish Rifles,” was a regiment that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. This regiment was primarily composed of Irish-Americans, and its members played a significant role in various campaigns and battles.

Here are some key points about the 37th New York Volunteers:

The 37th New York Volunteers participated in numerous engagements during the Civil War. Some notable battles included the Battle of Fair Oaks, the Battle of Gaines’ Mill, the Battle of Antietam, and the Battle of Fredericksburg.