Biographical Sketch of Capt. Peter McKenna, Greene County, Missouri, Campbell Township >From "History of Greene County, Missouri," St. Louis: Western Historical Company, 1883. ********************************************************************** Capt. McKenna was born in county Monaghan, Ireland, March 5, 1836, and is the son of Owen and Mary (Kelly) McKenna. He emigrated to New Brun- swick and soon after to the United States. In July, 1856, he settled in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and shortly after he volunteered to go with the troops in pursuit of the Indians who were connected with the Spirit Lake massacre. Subsequently he was in the employ of the government with companies E and F of the 2nd regulars, from Fort Ridgely to Fort Kearney. In the spring of 1860 he went to Pike's Peak, Colorado. In the fall of the same year he went to Leavenworth, Kansas, where he re- mained until February, 1861, and then went to St. Louis, from there to New Orleans, thence to Havanna, and thence to New York. He then joined the 12th regulars and started for the seat of war. He was in the following engagements, part of the time in command of two companies, Siege of Yorktown, Gaines' Mill, Savage Station, White Oak Swamp, Mal- vern Hill, 2nd Bull Run, Groveton, Antietam, Fredricksburg, Chancellor- sville, Gettysburg, Mine Run, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Laurel Hill, Bethesda church, North Anna, Cold Harbor, and the Siege of Petersburg, besides many skirmishes. He was promoted to a captaincy, and during the war received five wounds. He received especial mention in the official reports for his coolness, bravery and good judgement. He was discharged August 8, 1864. In 1868 he enlisted in the 12th infantry, for three years, and during the time was in Georgia and Arizona. He was, after his discharge, connected with Q. M. department in Texas, and was Q. M. agent for Gen. S. B. Holabird. In July, 1874, he was appoin- ted superintendent of the cemetery at San Antonio, Texas. In 1875 he was appointed superintendent of the National Cemetery at Springfield, Missouri, which position he now holds. Captain McKenna was married on November 29, 1877, to Margaret McInness, who was born in New Brunswick, March 24, 1851. They have two sons and an infant daughter living: John Owen, Edward A., and Mary. The captain is a member of the A.O.U.W., and himself and wife are members of the Catholic church. ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Joe Miller Penny Harrell ====================================================================