Col. David Ireland

Born: Forfar, Scotland, May 9, 1832
His family immigrated to New York City, 1840
Joined NYS militia circa 1852
First Lieutenant and Adjutant, 79th NYSV, “Cameron  Highlanders”, 1861

As Adjutant of the 79th NY "Cameron Highlanders", served under Col. James Cameron in W.T. Sherman’s Brigade at First Bull Run, July 21, 1861
Led 79th NY as acting commander in raid at Lewinsville, Aug. 1861 - restoring the Highlanders’ reputation and regimental colors
Promoted to Captain, Regular Army, 15th US by McClellan, Aug. 1861
Assigned to train new volunteer regiments for Gen. Sherman at Newport Barracks, KY, Sep. 1861
Assigned to recruiting duty for 15th US in upstate New York at Binghamton, January 1862
Chosen as commander of the new 137th Regiment, NYSV, and promoted to Colonel, August 1862.
Trained the 137th NY at Camp Susquehanna in Binghamton, September 1862
Trained the 137th NY in camp at Pleasant Valley, Md., and Bolivar Heights, Va., October-November 1862, and at Aquia Creek, Va., Jan. -May 1863
Led the 137th in distinguished action at Chancellorsville, April 30- May 6, 1863
Led the 137th in 200 mile march to Pennsylvania, June 1863
Led his regiment in the heroic defense of Culp’s Hill at Gettysburg, the night of July 2, and the morning of July 3, 1863
Married Sara Phelps, niece of Judge Sherman Phelps, Binghamton, NY, August 26, 1863
Led the 137th to victory in midnight battle of Wauhatchie, Oct. 28/29, 1863
o Became Commander 3rd Brig. 2nd Div, 12/20 Corps after critical wounding of Gen. Greene
Led Third Brigade to victory at Lookout Mtn. TN and Ringgold, GA, Nov. 26-Dec.1, 1863
Established a resettlement city for freed slaves outside Stevenson, Alabama, January 1864
Wounded leading the brigade at Resaca, Georgia, May 1864, returned to duty shortly thereafter
Led his brigade through the battles culminating in victory at Atlanta, September 1864
Died in hospital at Atlanta, September 10, 1864, after a four-day illness (dysentery)

Buried in Spring Forest Cemetery, Binghamton, New York