Sons of Leitrim
O'Donnell
Henry
Soldier Profile: Henry O’Donnell
Co. B, 42nd Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Militia)
Henry was a "Hundred Days" soldier, part of a wave of volunteers called up in the summer of 1864 to relieve veteran troops for the final push against Richmond. While he did not face the fire of the front lines, his service in the Shenandoah Valley was essential to keeping the Union’s massive logistical machine moving.
Early Life and the Voyage from Mohill
Born: Circa 1841 in Mohill, County Leitrim.
Baptism: He was baptized in Mohill on August 23, 1841, to parents Laurence O’Donnell and Anna McGarry.
The Samuel: In 1849, as the Famine continued to ravage Leitrim, the family fled to Liverpool. On May 4, 1849, a seven-year-old Henry arrived in New York aboard the ship Samuel.
Massachusetts Roots: The O’Donnells settled in the Worcester County towns of Uxbridge and Northbridge. Tragedy struck early in the new land when Henry’s mother, Anne, passed away in 1855.
Military Service: The Hundred Days
Before joining the infantry, records suggest a Henry O’Donnell joined the Navy in Boston in early 1863. However, his definitive service began on July 22, 1864, when he enlisted in the 42nd Massachusetts Infantry.
Physical Description: At age 21, Henry stood 5 feet 6 inches tall with grey eyes, dark hair, and a light complexion.
The Shenandoah Guard: The 42nd was sent to Alexandria, Virginia. Their primary mission was guarding supply trains and the vital railroad lines moving into the Shenandoah Valley—the "Breadbasket of the Confederacy"—where General Sheridan was then campaigning.
Mustering Out: Having completed his term of service without seeing major combat, Henry was mustered out with his unit on November 11, 1864.
Post-War Struggles and the Togus Home
Henry returned to Northbridge, Massachusetts, where he lived with his father and sister, Mary, working to rebuild his life in the post-war economy.
Declining Health: On September 26, 1891, Henry applied for an Invalid Pension. By 1894, he was no longer able to support himself, suffering from epilepsy—a condition that led to his admission to the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers in Togus, Maine.
A Final Chapter: 1894 was a year of profound loss, as his sister Mary also passed away. Henry spent his final decade in the care of the Veterans' Home, surrounded by his brothers-in-arms.
Final Resting Place
Henry died on January 19, 1904, at approximately 62 years of age.
Burial: He is buried in Togus National Cemetery in Chelsea, Maine.
The Veteran's Marker: He rests under a white marble headstone, far from Mohill but forever honored as a defender of the Union.
Service Timeline
DateEventLocation / Detail
Aug 23, 1841: Baptism Mohill, Co. Leitrim
May 4, 1849: Arrival in New York Aboard the ship Samuel
July 22, 1864: Enlisted in 42nd Mass100-Day Volunteer
Autumn 1864: Guard DutyShenandoah Valley / Alexandria
Nov 11, 1864: Honorably
DischargedReadville, MA
Jan 19, 1904: DeceasedTogus, ME
