Archibald Newell

Archibald Newell

Archibald Newell was born in Northern Ireland in 1839, and later emigrated to the U.S. He enlisted in Company I of the First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry in August 1861 at Camp Wilkins in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Private Newell served for three years and was mustered out with his regiment in September 1864. During the war years, he participated with his regiment in numerous battles including Cedar Mountain, 2nd Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Brandy Station, Gettysburg, Cold Harbor, and Trevillian Station (Archibald's name is inscribed on the Pennsylvania Monument at Gettysburg along with other members of his regiment who fought in that battle). During tour of service, he was hospitalized twice.

After the war, Archibald Newell returned to Pittsburgh and became a a naturalized U.S. citizen under a special program for immigrants who served honorably in the Union Army. In 1881, he became one of the 29 charter members of the Grand Army of the Republic Colonel J.H. Childs Post #230, serving as the Post's Ordnance Sergeant. He passed away in 1884, leaving a wife and three children. Archibald Newell's descendants have served in World Wars I and II, and in Vietnam.

Photograph and information submitted by Archibald Newell's great great grandson, Col. Robert L. Tonsetic, U.S. Army Retired, and member of the Harper's Ferry Camp #6, Department of Maryland, SUVCW.

Archibald Newell
(Wearing his GAR Kepi)