Age: 30
Occupation: Boatman
Allegiance: Union
Highest Rank: Captain
Unit: 94th & Co. D, 105th New York Volunteer Infantry
Buried: Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Brockport, NY
Michael Leonard was born September 23, 1835 in Black Rock, NY outside of Buffalo. He married Bridget Barry in 1854 and had 3 sons who survived childhood. He stood 5,7 had blue eyes and black hair. Leonard enlisted in Company D of the 105th NY on November 8, 1861 at Lockport, NY where he listed his occupation as a Boatman on the Erie.
Michael Leonard rose quickly through the ranks of the 105th NY. He was promoted to Sergeant on 3/25/1862 and to 1st Sgt. on 1/1/1863. On March 10, 1863 the 105th NY was consolidated with the 94th NY. This must have set him back to Sergeant, because he was again promoted to First Sergeant on September 1, 1863.
Early 1864 must have been a bittersweet time for Michael Leonard. On January 4th, 1864 he reenlisted. While on furlough, he remarried Bridget to ensure a record of the marriage in the case of his death. While he must have been happy to be home, clearly his thoughts were that he might never return.
Returning to duty, he also resumed his climb up the military ladder. In June, Michael gained his commission as the 1st Lieutenant of Co. H. A gunshot wound to his left shoulder on March 31, 1865 while fighting at Gravelly Run gives credence to his remarriage the previous year. Leonard was made the Captain of Co. K in May and was mustered out of service on July 18, 1865.
Following the war he was active in the GAR, serving in 1911 on the committee hosting the Consolidated 94th & 105th NYVV Reunion at the Rochester, NY, GAR encampment. In 1884 Michael Leonard was a resident of Lockport, NY. He died on July 25th, 1916 in Brockport, NY.
Michael's brother, Patrick, also enlisted in the 94th and 105th Regiments. Patrick was promoted to Sergeant while a member of the 105th. During his service he was wounded twice.
A letter written to Michael on 3/17/1893 by Colonel Tichenor of the 105th NY praises both Michael and Patrick for saving Tichenor at Fredericksburg.
Information and photograph courtesy of Benedict Maryniak a.k.a. Chaplain Philos Cook, 94th NYVI.
Last Updated: 9/05/2003