Mansfield – McConnell – Lake: NY Civil War Soldiers

These families were neighbors in Ulster County, NY and variously connected by marriage. Jointly they made an immense contribution to the union’s efforts in the Civil War.

Simon McConnell and Charles Mansfield were the oldest volunteers of this group. They both joined Company D, NY 156^th Infantry along with Charles’ sons Josiah and Isaac. Sadly, both the fathers died from the effects of uncontrollable dysentery in 1863 leaving wives and young children at home. They were buried in Louisiana where they died.

Simon’s sons Edgar and Carmile McConnell both joined the NY 56^th infantry and son Alexander joined the 1^st Cavalry. Both the McConnell family and the Mansfield family married into the Lake family. Alex McConnell married Sarah Jane Lake, sister of Reuben who married Charles Mansfield’s daughter Sarah Ann. Many veteran brothers-in-law!

The young men fought in various units and some lived long lives, others not so long.

LAKE                           Unit                                Died

Francis            Co D, NY 4^th Cavalry              1867 at 21

Reuben           Co F, NY 127^th Inf                   1897 at 52

McCONNELL

Carmile           Co F, NY 56^th Inf                     1895 at 50

Alexander      Co D, NY 1^st Cavalry              1898 at 55

Edgar              Co F, NY 56^th Inf                     1925 at 85

MANSFIELD

Isaac               Co D, NY 156^th Inf                  1910 at 65

Josiah              Co D, NY 156^th Inf                 1935 at 89