Gallahan, Joseph M. 1841 - 1861

GALLAHAN

Posted By: Janice Sowers (email)
Date: 4/16/2003 at 21:28:20

Source: New Oregon Plain Dealer Nov. 22, 1861, Reprinted in Twice-A-Week Plain Dealer Oct. 21, 1902, LP, C6

Joseph M. Gallahan was the first of the Howard County boys to fall on the battle field. A native of the Hawkeye State, having been born in Dubuque County, in 1841, he became a resident of Howard County in 1854, and a member of Co. B, 7th Iowa Infantry, July 8th, 1864. His term of service was brief, commencing with the organization of the regiment at Burlington, its rendezvous, July 24th, from thence at an early day down the Mississippi to Bird's Point, Mo., opposite Cairo. On the evening of Nov. 6th, '61, the 7th regiment, with other troops, under command of Gen. U. S. Grant, on board transports, started down the Mississippi, and on the following day was engaged on the sanguine and closely contested field of Belmont, where the regiment was distinguished for its conspicuous gallantry, and received special mention in the report of the commanding General, who stated that the Iowa 7th lost more severly than any other in the command. Joseph passed safely through the advance on, and capture of the rebel camp, but in the engagement that followed, while cutting through the rebel force which had crossed from Columbus, Ky., and landed between Gen. Grant's forces and the transports, he was shot and instantly killed, his body was being left upon the field.

Young Gallahan was a sincere and consistent christian, having made a profession of religion and united with the Baptist Church some time before entering the service of his country. Of an amiable, obliging disposition, he was esteemed by those who knew him at home, and loved and respected by his comrades.

His body lies far away in the wilds of Missouri, in an unknown grave, on the banks of the Father of Waters.

"Not even the cannon's mouth can loudly enough proclaim the debt which our country, human liberty, and civilization itself, owe to those noble men who have met the angriest torrents of the rebellion, and rolled its waves back upon its depths."