Thomas F. Harney

[Jane Singer]

(06-09-2015 12:26 PM)JMadonna Wrote:  Jane Singer in Confederate Dirty War gave as complete a rundown on Harney's career as I've seen. Hopefully you've seen it.

Speaking of the Torpedo Plot, William H. Snyder under oath gave his statement of the plot to General Ripley who wrote it all down. Has anyone seen it or know where it's located?

Thank you, Jerry. The only report I was able to find—and it has been a while—was a retelling of Snyder's talk with Ripley in his Vermont General: The Unusual Experiences of Edward Hastings Ripley.
Perhaps this report is of record. I'm going to think about where it might be, if it is still extant.

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(03-18-2015 11:16 PM)SSlater Wrote:  

(03-16-2015 03:44 PM)SSlater Wrote:  

(03-15-2015 10:51 PM)SSlater Wrote:  This is for anyone working on Harney.
I'm working on Harney AGAIN. This time I see his record differently this time (See "U.S. Army Enlistments,1798 - 1914, Thomas F Harney") It says he enlisted 23 Jan. 1853 for 5 years and was discharged 23 Dec. 1858 - Expiration of service. HE DID NOT DESERT.
This is not earth shaking, and we may not find him sooner, but we should be working with the correct information.
The man just above him - enlisted the same day - same place, HE-
deserted 28 June 1854.
Stay tuned in....

.
Up to this point, we generally agree that he snuck off to some prairie town and hid for the rest of his life, under another name.

Maybe not. Harney has spent most of his life at war. (5 years in the U.S. Army + 4 years in the Rebel Army.) and has gotten good at it.
I think he might have continued this "profession" and joined the "Fenians". That was an Irish Brotherhood, in the U. S., that was trying to help the "Homeland" in their fight with the British. The Fenians decided to invade Canada, and hold it, until the Homeland was made Free.
In 1866, The Brotherhood gathered in Buffalo, NY. and other towns along the border, and did invade Canada. They did fight. They were doing quite well, until the U.S. withdrew their support of them. Then they began to lose. As you already know Harney was Irish-born, and he had skills that the Fenians could use.
I'm looking for him in their records. 1 Did he join them? 2 Did he fight? 3 Was he captured? 4 Did he survive? 5 Where did he go after that? And 6 with Whom?
I feel that one of those Tom Harneys in remote Montana, etc. might be our "made over" Torpedo man.
...gimme time, and stay tuned in.
P.S. If you have any ideas, tell me about them. plez.

Progress Report: I found a Thomas Harney, in New Orleans, before the war - Age 26, born Ireland, 1834. That fits exactly what I was looking for. Also, attached to that listing was his Civil War record in the CSA Engineers. I don't really trust that, but I will use it until I can prove otherwise.
In the 1870 Census there is a Thomas Harney living in Kansas City, MO, born Ireland 1834, etc. OK! - married to "Catherine", age 34, born Canada East, and a passel of kids. (He may not be the father - if he married a Widow.) I need help from some of our members in Canada.
What is included in "Canada East"? Is there a "Vital Records" Bureau there where I can send for a Marriage Record? Please!
I lose that family completely about 1880, did they move back to Canada?
I'm hoping to find that Thomas went to Canada with the Fenians, and came back with Catherine and the little ones.
Stay tuned! "Sarah"

Sarah, bravo to you! Some years back Dr. James O. Hall and I spent time and money trying to track Harney down. Upon his release from Elmire he did state that his home was "New Orleans," but later said, "Virginia."
I'll have a look as well. Been writing other books but am so glad to see your posts!