Grave of Lieutenant Andrew Bermingham, he was born in Ireland around 1833 and immigrated to New York with his parents in 1849. Andrew later got work as a law clerk, and as many young Irishman did he joined the 69th New York State Militia and became First Sergeant of Co “A”. The first sergeant was the highest-ranking enlisted man in the company and was responsible for organizing, training, and managing the company for the officers. When the American Civil War broke out then First Sergeant Bermingham and the 69th N.Y.S.M were sent to defend Washington D.C and fought in the battle of First Bull Run, they returned to New York after their three months service, and were mustered out. Bermingham still had a lot of fight left, and on 10/18/1861 he enlisted and was commissioned a 2nd Lieut. in Co. “A” 69th New York State Vols. He saw action in the following engagements, The Peninsula Campaign, The Seven Days Battles, Antietam, & Fredericksburg where he was killed in action. Here is an account of his wounding and death….
“Bermingham took cover on the battlefield among the Company B men Most of them were wounded or dead. The survivors were firing as best as they could towards the stone wall. Then from the center of the regiment, Bermingham heard Colonel Nugent order, “Once more, boys! Irish Brigade Advance!” The Brigade leapt to its feet. This advance was quickly halted and Andrew Bermingham lay among the survivors of Company B, desperately thinking of a way to escape this hell he turned sideways to look for support, when a bullet tore through his thighs, shattering the bones in one leg. A few brave soldiers quickly gathered him up and dashed through the artillery, and musket fire and back into town. They delivered him to the Brigade's hospital, unconscious and desperately injured. The surgeons amputated his one leg and did the best to save the other.” (1) However Lieutenant Bermingham’s wounds were too grave and he died on December 17th 1862 his body was sent home and he now rests in Calvary Cemetery.
1) THE BERMINGHAMS OF THE IRISH BRIGADE: The Story of Four Family Members who Served in Company A, 69th New York State Volunteers by Stephan D. O'Neill