Diverging Paths

Patrick and William McNamara were born in County Mayo, Ireland in 1832 and 1835 respectively. Both of them immigrated to the United States and enlisted in the 1st US Cavalry in 1856. Both of them reenlisted for a second term in Company F, 4th US Cavalry on October 3, 1861 for a three year term at Fort Kearney, Nebraska. Their reenlisting officer was 1st Lieutenant John A. Wilcox.

Patrick's reenlistment documents describe him as 5'8 1/4" tall, with light hair, blue eyes, and a fair complexion. He was 29 years old. William's documents list him as 5' 6 1/2" tall, also with light hair, blue eyes, and a fair complexion at age 26.

In 1864, their paths diverged. William reenlisted for a third term as a private in Nashville, Tennessee on March 19th. Patrick was discharged at the end of his term of service as a private on October 3rd, also in Nashville, Tennessee. From there the two disappear into the mists of history.