John Courtney Born in Ireland,_Son of John Courtney,_by occupation a Machinist,_Unmarried,_at the age of 18 enlisted for three years in the 5th Regiment of Cavalry, N.Y. Vols. Mustered into service September 9, 1861._ Taken prisoner by the rebels at Strasburg, Va. during the retreat of Gen. Banks’ division before the forces of Gen. Jackson. Was sick, while a prison, at Winchester, Va._Paroled by the rebels, and discharged from service by direction fo U.S. Secretary of War_June 17, 1862. Remained in Chicopee until August 16th following, when he enlisted as a recruit in the 1st Regiment of Cavalry, Mass. Vols._In camp at Cambridge, Mass, until November 5th following, then proceeded to join the regiment at Hagerstown, Md. And was assigned to Company “G”. He participated in the campaigns under Gen. {Averill} in the spring of 1863. He was present at the following engagements and skirmishes: Kelley’s Ford, March 17, 1863, Strasburg, Va., {Aldie}, Va., June 17, 1863, engagements immediately thereafter for several days with Stuart’s (rebel) Cavalry, James Cross Roads, Md., skirmishes near Newtown, Va. He participated, in brief, in the several operations of his Reg. till discharge. During his tour of service received no wounds, was on no detached duty, received no furloughs and was never ill. Discharged Nov’r 7, 1864, by reason of expiration of term of service. He was in Sheridan’s command when that general recaptured 700 Union prisoners on the way to Richmond.
