James Lawlor Kiernan was born in County Galway, Ireland, in 1837. He graduated from the New York University Academy of Medicine in 1857, and when the Civil War began, served with the 69th New York at the Battle of First Bull Run. After service on General John C. Fremont’s staff, Kiernan was commissioned a major and surgeon of the 6th Missouri Cavalry in March 1862. From August 1862 through May 1863, Kiernan served with the 6th, but was severely wounded at the Battle of Port Gibson, Mississippi.

Kiernan resigned his commission in the 6th Missouri on May 24, 1863, but was commissioned a brigadier general of volunteers that August and commanded the post of Milliken’s Bend, Louisiana. He resigned again in February 1864.

Following the war, Kiernan continued to practice medicine until his death in New York City on November 26, 1869.

Carte-de-Visite by E. & H. T. Anthony, New York, N.Y.

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 11496