Detroit Irish American company who did not go to war?

major bill

Brev. Brig. Gen'l
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The Shield Guards (Detroit, Wayne County) was an Irish company that was active from 1853 to 1862 or perhaps even as late as 1863. They maintained an armory at 133 Michigan Avenue. In 1855, the Shield Guards was considered one of the top militia companies in the state.

In 1859, they withdrew from the State Uniformed Militia and returned their State owned arms. This may have been due to them being an Irish company and many Michigan ethic militia companies believed that the State Adjutant General was prejudice against ethic companies. Thereafter they were an independent company who provide not only their own uniforms but also their own arms and equipment. They were one of the State’s few successful independent companies. In 1860, James McDermott was the company commander.

The Shield Guards wore blue uniforms. One report indicated that they wore regimental caps and blue uniforms.https://civilwartalk.com/#_edn1 Another report said they wore blue coats and pants but does not mention their head wear.[ii] A further report indicates that they wore exceeding handsome uniforms; this might indicate that their uniforms had additional facings, trim, lace or both.[iii] In a parade held in the summer of 1858 they wore white pants, which was semiofficial wear for the 1st Frontier Regiment. They probably wore their normal blue coats during this parade.[iv] The company was known for its shooting contests and they presented silver medals to the best shot. Perhaps these medals were worn on the uniforms of the winners.

They did not join any of the Michigan regiments leaving for war. Nor did they appear to have tried to join any regiment in some other state. They appear to have remained an independent company during the first part of the Civil War. Local newspapers stopped reporting on them in 1862 and they did not participate in the 1863 Fourth of July celebration and had probably disbanded by then.




https://civilwartalk.com/#_ednref1 “The Military Review”, Detroit Free Press, October 27 1859, p. 1, col. 1

[ii] “The Military Review”, Detroit Free Press, October 27 1859, p. 1, col.1.

[iii] “The Military Parade”, Detroit Daily Free Press, July 6 1853, p. 3, col. 1.

[iv] “The Procession”, Detroit Daily Free Press, July 25 1858, p. 1, col. 1 -8 (col.3).
 
Many Detroit militia companies had significant numbers of thier membership join regiments going to war. I would not be surprised if the Shield Guards lost many men.
 
Many Detroit militia companies had significant numbers of thier membership join regiments going to war. I would not be surprised if the Shield Guards lost many men.

After the summer/fall call-up, they probably lost a lot of their men. That may explain why they disbanded shortly thereafter.

Ryan
 
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