Discrepancy in Records (9th Ma. Infy)

[CyleKostello]

Hi!

Recently I was offered an Id tag to a "John Breen, Co. E 9th Mass Infy". In doing research on the tag prior to purchase I came across some interesting info. The regimental roster has two John Breens, one in Co. E and one in Co. K. The John in Co. E is recorded as enlisting at age 30, the John in Co. K at 18. Both Johns are listed as being wounded in 1864, both are recorded as members of the same GAR post and both are recorded as dying on the exact same day! Moreover, I was unable to find a grave for the Breen in Co. E but I was able to find one for the Breen in Co. K

All this information seems a bit too coincidental, especially the date of death. Is it reasonable to conclude these are the same men? If so what would explain that double recording? I was thinking bounty jumping perhaps but neither Breen is recorded as deserting. Screenshots from HDS are included.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Bob Velke]

Service records show that there were two different men named John Breen in Co. E and a third (John J.) in Co. K.

Keep in mind that the data on CivilWarData.com is submitted by researchers whose skills in collecting and evaluating evidence vary dramatically.

 

[CyleKostello]

Service records show that there were two different men named John Breen in Co. E and a third (John J.) in Co. K.

Thanks Bob! This clears things up quite a bit. Didn't realize there were two Breens in Co. E, HDS only had the one. I have to wonder if the death date on HDS is an error, it seems almost too coincidental

 

[lupaglupa]

I think the death date is the part that got mixed. The records don't make sense if John Joyce Breen is also John Breen. I do think the two John Breen's in Co E are the same. The Adjutant's Report from Massachusetts only has the one John in Co. E.

 

[Bob Velke]

Thanks Bob! This clears things up quite a bit. Didn't realize there were two Breens in Co. E, HDS only had the one. I have to wonder if the death date on HDS is an error, it seems almost too coincidental

Pension records say that John J. (Co. K) died on 19 Nov 1917 in Chelsea, MA.

Only one of the John's in Co. E received a pension and he is identified in those records as "Breen, John, Jr." His death date is not recorded there. You'll need to pull the full pension file for that. (The other two were not old enough to be his father, however.)

 

[Bob Velke]

I do think the two John Breen's in Co E are the same. The Adjutant's Report from Massachusetts only has the one John in Co. E.

They have extensive and distinct service records:

#1: born in Ireland; age 25 when he enlisted on 23 Aug 1862 in Boston; blue eyes, dark hair and complexion, 5' 6 1/2" tall; promoted to Corp. on 28 Feb 1864; served until at least June, 1864.

#2: born in New York City; age 30 when he enlisted on 3 Sep 1862 in Boston; hazel eyes, dark hair and complexion, 5' 6" tall; captured 13 Dec 1862 at Fredericksburg and paroled; wounded 3 Jun 1864; left leg amputated (although surgeon's report suggests that both legs were amputated).

 

[CyleKostello]

They have extensive and distinct service records:

#1: born in Ireland; age 25 when he enlisted on 23 Aug 1862 in Boston; blue eyes, dark hair and complexion, 5' 6 1/2" tall; promoted to Corp. on 28 Feb 1864; served until at least June, 1864.

#2: born in New York City; age 30 when he enlisted on 3 Sep 1862 in Boston; hazel eyes, dark hair and complexion, 5' 6" tall; captured 13 Dec 1862 at Fredericksburg and paroled; wounded 3 Jun 1864; left leg amputated (although surgeon's report suggests that both legs were amputated).

Huh interesting, definitely sound like separate people. Suppose there's no way to determine which breen the tag belonged to. This has cleared up a ton for me, thank you! Looks like i need to broaden my research sources a bit, been relying on HDS too much it seems. Where did you get this info from?

 

[lupaglupa]

It never ceases to amaze me how many people have the same name!

 

[CyleKostello]

Funnily enough it looks like both the Breen's in Co. E were wounded at Bethesda Church on 6/3/64. Quite an unlucky name!

Source is

The History of the Ninth Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Second ...

By Daniel George Macnamara

 

[Bob Velke]

Where did you get this info from?

Pension indexes and service records are on Fold3.com.

 

[CyleKostello]

Pension indexes and service records are on Fold3.com.

Fantastic, thank you.