Charles F. Saam Jr.

                                         Henry McCristle   (Great Grandfather)

       Henry was born in County Tyrone, Kingdom of Great Britain. He was listed as being 37 years of age upon his discharge. In the 1860 U.S. Census (he was living in Cambridge, Massachusetts) list his age as “38”, on  6 January 1848. Henry married Mary McAleer in Cambridge.

        Two children were reported to have been born to the couple in Massachusetts, three more in Newark, New Jersey. It was from Newark that Henry enlisted for a three year tem in August 1861, becoming a member of Company E, 8^th New Jersey Volunteers. He held the rank of “Private” throughout his enlistment. He described as being five feet, eleven inches tall, of dark complexion, brown eyes, dark hair, by occupation a “Japaner” 

        The history of the 8^th New Jersey shows that it served from the fall of 1861 until the end of hostilities in 1865, participating in numerous battles and skirmishes including, Yorktown, Williamsburg, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Mine Run, Cold Harbor, to name a few, until Lee’s surrender at Appotomatox.

        But Henry did not make it all the way. His records show that he suffered a shoulder wound at Williamsburg (for which he was hospitalized). Upon recovery he re-joined his company and served on. The 8^th New Jersey went to Gettysburg as a part of Major General Daniel E. Sickles Third Corps, being engaged in the Peach Orchard on the disastrous Second Day.  

        His service record does not include any reference to injury or medical treatment at this point. However his record does show, under date of “September 9, 1863” he was “Examined for transfer to Invalid Corps by Board of Examination” Convalescent  Camp,

Near Alexandria, VA., claiming as his disability “Rheumatism”. He was ‘Returned to duty”. Presumably he reapplied, for under the date of October 14, 1863 he was re-considered by the same board; this time it was recommended that he be transferred to the “Invalid Corps” (which was later renamed “Veteran Reserve Corps”). He completed his term of enlistment in Washington, receiving an honorable discharge on August 29, 1864.

         At some point Henry must have applied foe disability pension, claiming that he had suffered a bullet wound in his left leg at Gettysburg. He submitted an affidavit from his Company officer to this effect and an “Examining Surgeon’s Certificate” (October 2, 1865) declared him to be “ one fourth incapacitated ”, although the disability is  “probably temporary “. Unfortunately, Henry died on July 16, 1868 in Newark, New Jersey.