With the Great Famine in Ireland taking place from 1845-1852, many Irish found it
necessary to emigrate to countries like America. Once they were able to settle into the Northern and Southern states, they found it
difficult to find work and acceptance in their adopted country. All that changed with the outbreak of the American Civil War. During the four years of the War
Between the States (1861-1865), some 647 members of the Hannon clan joined the northern and southern Irish Regiments and
fought against each other. Though they were all originally sons of Ireland (wearing with pride on their uniforms their own versions of Erin's Angel Irish Harp) -
they were to be for the next four years - on opposite sides, as enemies.
Members of Clan Hannon fought as "Hannons, Hannans, O'Hannon and Hanons". Some were mere privates, while others were officers such as Col. Moses W. Hannon, commander of the 1st Regiment, Alabama Cavalry, CSA.
In the Union Army were "18" Patrick Hannons, "1" Patrick Hanon, and "22" Patrick Hannans. In all...471 members of Clan Hannon signed on with the Union Army... while... 176 members of Clan Hannon joined the Army of the Confederacy .
It would be speculation for us today to draw conclusions as to why they fought in the American Civil War. One can only imagine their reasonings. Perhaps some
were recent immigrants to America, who wanted their piece of the American dream to come true. Perhaps others had less noble reasons.
We do know that a John Hannan was paid $500 to act as a "substitute" in the confederate army for a man named, Eggleston. The fee was a handsome sum at the time,
with the practice of finding a "substitute" being quite common in both the North and South.
Whatever motivations Hannon clansmen may have had, their names are now documented by the National Park Service
as having been combatants in the deadliest war ever fought on American soil.
Music told the story of the exiled Irish that had found America as their new home. In the tune, "Harp of Old Erin and Banner Of Stars", the following hints at the love they had for their 'new' country...and their old.
"Oh, long may our flags wave in union together,
And the Harp of Green Erin still kiss the same breeze,
And brave every storm that beclouds the fair weather,
Till our Harp, like the Stars, floats o'er rivers and seas.
God prosper the bold hearts on both land and ocean,
Who go in defiance of danger and scars,
And send them safe home to their wives and their sweethearts,
With the Harp of old Erin and the Banner Of Stars."---Irish Union Civil War Song, Harp of Old Erin & Banner of Stars - David Kincaid
Famine, as well, may have been a motivation for many of Ireland's young sons to venture to America. They came for opportunity...and they came in thanks for America's open arms to feed them during the years of famine. The following song says it best...
"Whin Ireland was needing, and famine was feeding,
And thousands were dying for something to ate,
'Twas America's daughters that sent over the waters
The ships that were loaded with corn and whate:
And Irishmen sure will forever remimber
The vessels that carried the flag of the Free;
And the land that befriended, they'll die to defend it,
And that's the opinions of Paddy Magee."---Irish Union Civil War Song, Opinions of Paddy Magee - David Kincaid
hese men came from nearly every state in the Union and Confederacy. They joined the infantries, artillery units and the cavalries of both
the North and South.
John Hannon joined the famed "69th Irish Brigade - New York Volunteers". However, he was not alone in the Union Army. He stood with "47" other John Hannons, and "32" John Hannans. Which by all accounts made the first name -- "John" -- the most popular first name for Hannon/Hannans in the Union Army.
As for the confederates - many 'Hannon/Hannan/Hanins' chose to be called simply by their initials. Some "79" were named everything from B.F. Hannon to W.H. Hannon...showing a distinct regional naming preference from their northern brothers.
In the end many died, while others survived to collect civil war pensions. All still live today in the annals of American history - as being O'Hannon clan members who fought in America's Civil War.
Sources:
[National Archives of Ireland-1911 Census; Early Irish History and Mythology-Tómas F. O'Rahilly; Atlas Of The Celtic World-John Haywood; The Celts-John Haywood; The
Dictionary of Irish Family Names-Ida Grehan; Heirlooms of Ireland-Joseph F. Osborne; The Book of Irish Families Great and Small-Michael C. O'Laughlin; The Surnames
of Ireland-Edward MacLysaght; Irish Families-Edward MacLysaght; More Irish Families-Edward MacLysaght; National Park Service Civil War Roster; Clare County Library
- Paddy Hannan Story, Surnames In Ireland-Robert Matheson; Irish Names And Surnames-Rev. Patrick Woulfe; Cromwellian Wars; Families of County Clare - IGF, Michael C.
O'Laughlin; Families of County Limerick - IGF, O'Laughlin; The Annals of Ireland - The Four Masters, translated A.D. 1846, Irish Times.Com; "The Harp Of Old Erin &
Banner Of Stars", "The Opinions of Paddy Magee" - The Irish Volunteer CD, David Kincaid; A New Genealogical Atlas Of Ireland-Brian Mitchell; How The Irish Saved
Civilization-Thomas Cahill; Irish Family Mottoes-Tómas Ó Baoill]
