Richard J. Curran

Richard J. Curran
Born	(1838-01-04)January 4, 1838 Ennis, County Clare, Ireland
Died	June 1, 1915(1915-06-01) (aged 77) Rochester, New York
Place of burial	Holy Sepulchre Cemetery (Rochester, New York)
Allegiance	United States of America
Service / branch	United States Army
Years of service	1861 - 1865
Rank	Assistant Surgeon
Unit	33rd New York Volunteer Infantry 9th New York Cavalry
Battles / wars	American Civil War Seven Days' Battles Battle of Antietam Battle of Fredericksburg Battle of Chancellorsville
Awards	Medal of Honor
Other work	lawyer, judge, politician

Richard J. Curran (January 4, 1838 – June 1, 1915) was an Irish-American surgeon, army officer, and politician. He received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the American Civil War.

Early life

He was born in the town of Ennis in County Clare, Ireland.Curran immigrated with his parents to the United States in 1850, and attended Harvard Medical School, graduating in 1859.

Civil War

At the start of the Civil War, he helped raise two volunteer companies (designated A company & K company) from Seneca Falls, New York, and joined the 33rd New York Infantry in May 1861, becoming an assistant surgeon in August 1862. He would receive the Medal of Honor for the Battle of Antietam, where he was the regiment's only medical officer present in the field. When the 33rd New York was mustered out in June 1863, he joined the 6th New York Cavalry, and subsequently became the 9th New York Cavalry, serving as the latter's regimental surgeon until the surrender of Robert E. Lee at Appomattox Court House.

Career

Following the war, Curran opened a pharmacy in Rochester, New York, where he also participated in local politics. He was elected to the New York State Assembly as a member of the Republican Party in 1891, serving in 1892. He was a Mayor of Rochester, New York in 1892, serving a two-year term.

Honors

Following is Curran's medal of honor citation:

Rank and organization: Assistant Surgeon, 33rd New York Infantry. Place and date: Antietam, Md., 17 September 1862. Entered service at: Seneca Falls, N.Y. Born: 4 January 1838, Ireland. Date of issue: 30 March 1898. Voluntarily exposed himself to great danger by going to the fighting line there succoring the wounded and helpless and conducting them to the field hospital.

Personal life

He was a companion of the New York Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States.

He died on June 1, 1915 and was buried in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

External links

• Biography
• Harvard University page
• Richard J. Curran at Find a Grave