I am currently putting together some information for an American Society of Arms collectors meeting in Gettysburg in May. I will be happy to send you copies of this information and a copy of his picture. I have a Prussian musket model 1839 marked city of Philadelphia that was brought home and given to my Great Grandmother. The “story” is that they could not bring the body [of John R. Querey] home but brought the musket and gave it to the family. It has stayed in the family ever since.
John immigrated from Carmoney, Antrim Ireland in 1850 with his Parents to the Port of New York. The ship was the Patrick Henry. He was christened on January 2nd 1848 in the Carnmoney Presbyterian church. He is the Son of William Quirey and Jannet Rodgers. I have some doubt about the spelling and do believe it is Querey not Quirey and will have to resolve this conflict. He had seven or eight siblings that we know of. I don”t have his birth date, but he was very young when he enlisted in 1862. I would think 15 or 16 years of age. Usually you were christened during your first year, but I am not sure.
I do know that he was transferred to the 1st Pa. Reserve Light Artillery Battery H by special order in May of 1862 and served with that unit until May of 1863 when he was transferred back to the 2nd Reserves.
Somewhere I have the muster rolls from the archives, and have to find them but that is what I remember. As you know he then was wounded the 2nd of July and died the 4th of July of wounds [on the Jesse Worley farm].
I have visited his grave with my Sons and would like to get the marker corrected as the name is incorrectly spelled on his grave stone as you know.
Thanks again, with best regards,
“Chip” Beckford
Currently a resident of Burke, Virginia - I'm originally from the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I have been a student of the Pennsylvania Reserves since 1997 and thoroughly enjoy telling their story. By trade I'm a former IT Professional but presently working as a Letter Carrier for the United States Postal Service.
