Lt William B Farrell, served in Co F of the 16th New York Calvary, but is better known for his involvement while serving in this regiment for the capture of some of the Lincoln conspirators.
In several accounts, Farrell is credited with the arrest of Mrs Mary Surratt (#6389114), who discovered after speaking to a servant, that Mrs Surratt instructed to her hide a firearm with ammunition for a man who would be visiting her home later. Farrell understood that to be John Wilkes Booth (#7377). There are other official accounts that credit him for the arrest of Dr Samuel Mudd (#3690) and information leading to the capture of Booth and David Herold (#1558).
Farrell received the Cross of Lincoln's Avenger medal for this arrest, but did not share in the reward money given to others involved in the manhunt.
William was born in Troy, NY around 1842. He enlisted in Co D, 2nd New York Infantry on October 15, 1861 but deserted at Falmouth, Virginia by January 24, 1862.
He returned to service with the 16th New York Cavalry, on July 24, 1863, being commissioned a 2nd Lt, Co F. Farrell was ordered to serve more time in the military to make up for the lost time during his desertion. This did not impede his career in the military as he was promoted to 1st Lt on February 23, 1864.
After the Lincoln Assassination Manhunt, the 16th New York Cavalry was merged with the 13th New York Cavalry and became the New York's 3rd Regiment Provisional Calvary, with Farrell serving in Co L. Lt Farrell was mustered out of service on September 15, 1865 at Camp Barry, Washington, DC.
Before returning home to Troy, Farrell, along with his comrade in the 16th New York Cavalry Captain Edward P Doherty (#2278) joined the Fenian Brotherhood in New York City at their headquarters, 22 Duane St. They were sworn in by Col Patrick J Downing (#49566187), who had been the Head Centre for the Fenian Potomac Circle while in the field.
William returned home to Troy becoming a bookkeeper at the Burden Iron Works for some years. By 1883, he was having cognitive issues and committed to the Hudson River State Hospital in Poughkeepsie, NY, becoming a ward of the state. His veteran's pension stated his issues were related to an injury from falling from a horse while in the service.
Farrell was well cared for and thought of as a celebrity in the state hospital. Since his demeanor was nonviolent and docile, doctors at the facility looked after him, taking him out to dinners, operas and other entertainment frequently.
William died suddenly on October 14, 1909 at the hospital and was brought back to Troy by his half brother, James Dwyer. His funeral was held at St Mary's Roman Catholic Church where a large turnout of veterans and notable citizens attended his funeral. Farrell was laid to rest at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Troy, NY.
*The date of death on his headstone is incorrectly stated as 1910 and may be the date the headstone was placed.
References –
• New York Herald, October 15, 1908 (Death)
• Poughkeepsie Eagle, Oct 19, 1909, page 3 (Death)
• Poughkeepsie Eagle, Oct 26, 1909, page 3 (Funeral)
• Poughkeepsie Evening Enterprise, Oct 20, 1909 (Lincoln Avenger Medal & Death)
• Fold3.com, Civil War Pensions Index, William Farrell- image/4986163 Application #264122, Certificate 169975 filed Dec 18, 1878
• American Civil War Research Database, Historical Data Systems, New York: Report of the Adjutant General 1893-1906
• Carson, James, Chasing Mosby, Killing Booth, The 16th New York Volunteer Cavalry, McFarland & Company, Inc, Jefferson, NC, 2017
• Congressional Serial Set, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC, 1866, Pg 22, Exhibit A, Claimant Adjudged to be not entitled to rewards under the terms of the published offers. (Arrest of Mudd)
• The Catholic University of America, Digital collections, Fenian Brotherhood Papers. “Roster of the Military Officers of the Fenian Brotherhood - New York”
In several accounts, Farrell is credited with the arrest of Mrs Mary Surratt (#6389114), who discovered after speaking to a servant, that Mrs Surratt instructed to her hide a firearm with ammunition for a man who would be visiting her home later. Farrell understood that to be John Wilkes Booth (#7377). There are other official accounts that credit him for the arrest of Dr Samuel Mudd (#3690) and information leading to the capture of Booth and David Herold (#1558).
Farrell received the Cross of Lincoln's Avenger medal for this arrest, but did not share in the reward money given to others involved in the manhunt.
William was born in Troy, NY around 1842. He enlisted in Co D, 2nd New York Infantry on October 15, 1861 but deserted at Falmouth, Virginia by January 24, 1862.
He returned to service with the 16th New York Cavalry, on July 24, 1863, being commissioned a 2nd Lt, Co F. Farrell was ordered to serve more time in the military to make up for the lost time during his desertion. This did not impede his career in the military as he was promoted to 1st Lt on February 23, 1864.
After the Lincoln Assassination Manhunt, the 16th New York Cavalry was merged with the 13th New York Cavalry and became the New York's 3rd Regiment Provisional Calvary, with Farrell serving in Co L. Lt Farrell was mustered out of service on September 15, 1865 at Camp Barry, Washington, DC.
Before returning home to Troy, Farrell, along with his comrade in the 16th New York Cavalry Captain Edward P Doherty (#2278) joined the Fenian Brotherhood in New York City at their headquarters, 22 Duane St. They were sworn in by Col Patrick J Downing (#49566187), who had been the Head Centre for the Fenian Potomac Circle while in the field.
William returned home to Troy becoming a bookkeeper at the Burden Iron Works for some years. By 1883, he was having cognitive issues and committed to the Hudson River State Hospital in Poughkeepsie, NY, becoming a ward of the state. His veteran's pension stated his issues were related to an injury from falling from a horse while in the service.
Farrell was well cared for and thought of as a celebrity in the state hospital. Since his demeanor was nonviolent and docile, doctors at the facility looked after him, taking him out to dinners, operas and other entertainment frequently.
William died suddenly on October 14, 1909 at the hospital and was brought back to Troy by his half brother, James Dwyer. His funeral was held at St Mary's Roman Catholic Church where a large turnout of veterans and notable citizens attended his funeral. Farrell was laid to rest at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Troy, NY.
*The date of death on his headstone is incorrectly stated as 1910 and may be the date the headstone was placed.
References –
• New York Herald, October 15, 1908 (Death)
• Poughkeepsie Eagle, Oct 19, 1909, page 3 (Death)
• Poughkeepsie Eagle, Oct 26, 1909, page 3 (Funeral)
• Poughkeepsie Evening Enterprise, Oct 20, 1909 (Lincoln Avenger Medal & Death)
• Fold3.com, Civil War Pensions Index, William Farrell- image/4986163 Application #264122, Certificate 169975 filed Dec 18, 1878
• American Civil War Research Database, Historical Data Systems, New York: Report of the Adjutant General 1893-1906
• Carson, James, Chasing Mosby, Killing Booth, The 16th New York Volunteer Cavalry, McFarland & Company, Inc, Jefferson, NC, 2017
• Congressional Serial Set, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC, 1866, Pg 22, Exhibit A, Claimant Adjudged to be not entitled to rewards under the terms of the published offers. (Arrest of Mudd)
• The Catholic University of America, Digital collections, Fenian Brotherhood Papers. “Roster of the Military Officers of the Fenian Brotherhood - New York”
Lt William B Farrell, served in Co F of the 16th New York Calvary, but is better known for his involvement while serving in this regiment for the capture of some of the Lincoln conspirators.
In several accounts, Farrell is credited with the arrest of Mrs Mary Surratt (#6389114), who discovered after speaking to a servant, that Mrs Surratt instructed to her hide a firearm with ammunition for a man who would be visiting her home later. Farrell understood that to be John Wilkes Booth (#7377). There are other official accounts that credit him for the arrest of Dr Samuel Mudd (#3690) and information leading to the capture of Booth and David Herold (#1558).
Farrell received the Cross of Lincoln's Avenger medal for this arrest, but did not share in the reward money given to others involved in the manhunt.
William was born in Troy, NY around 1842. He enlisted in Co D, 2nd New York Infantry on October 15, 1861 but deserted at Falmouth, Virginia by January 24, 1862.
He returned to service with the 16th New York Cavalry, on July 24, 1863, being commissioned a 2nd Lt, Co F. Farrell was ordered to serve more time in the military to make up for the lost time during his desertion. This did not impede his career in the military as he was promoted to 1st Lt on February 23, 1864.
After the Lincoln Assassination Manhunt, the 16th New York Cavalry was merged with the 13th New York Cavalry and became the New York's 3rd Regiment Provisional Calvary, with Farrell serving in Co L. Lt Farrell was mustered out of service on September 15, 1865 at Camp Barry, Washington, DC.
Before returning home to Troy, Farrell, along with his comrade in the 16th New York Cavalry Captain Edward P Doherty (#2278) joined the Fenian Brotherhood in New York City at their headquarters, 22 Duane St. They were sworn in by Col Patrick J Downing (#49566187), who had been the Head Centre for the Fenian Potomac Circle while in the field.
William returned home to Troy becoming a bookkeeper at the Burden Iron Works for some years. By 1883, he was having cognitive issues and committed to the Hudson River State Hospital in Poughkeepsie, NY, becoming a ward of the state. His veteran's pension stated his issues were related to an injury from falling from a horse while in the service.
Farrell was well cared for and thought of as a celebrity in the state hospital. Since his demeanor was nonviolent and docile, doctors at the facility looked after him, taking him out to dinners, operas and other entertainment frequently.
William died suddenly on October 14, 1909 at the hospital and was brought back to Troy by his half brother, James Dwyer. His funeral was held at St Mary's Roman Catholic Church where a large turnout of veterans and notable citizens attended his funeral. Farrell was laid to rest at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Troy, NY.
*The date of death on his headstone is incorrectly stated as 1910 and may be the date the headstone was placed.
References –
• New York Herald, October 15, 1908 (Death)
• Poughkeepsie Eagle, Oct 19, 1909, page 3 (Death)
• Poughkeepsie Eagle, Oct 26, 1909, page 3 (Funeral)
• Poughkeepsie Evening Enterprise, Oct 20, 1909 (Lincoln Avenger Medal & Death)
• Fold3.com, Civil War Pensions Index, William Farrell- image/4986163 Application #264122, Certificate 169975 filed Dec 18, 1878
• American Civil War Research Database, Historical Data Systems, New York: Report of the Adjutant General 1893-1906
• Carson, James, Chasing Mosby, Killing Booth, The 16th New York Volunteer Cavalry, McFarland & Company, Inc, Jefferson, NC, 2017
• Congressional Serial Set, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC, 1866, Pg 22, Exhibit A, Claimant Adjudged to be not entitled to rewards under the terms of the published offers. (Arrest of Mudd)
• The Catholic University of America, Digital collections, Fenian Brotherhood Papers. “Roster of the Military Officers of the Fenian Brotherhood - New York”
In several accounts, Farrell is credited with the arrest of Mrs Mary Surratt (#6389114), who discovered after speaking to a servant, that Mrs Surratt instructed to her hide a firearm with ammunition for a man who would be visiting her home later. Farrell understood that to be John Wilkes Booth (#7377). There are other official accounts that credit him for the arrest of Dr Samuel Mudd (#3690) and information leading to the capture of Booth and David Herold (#1558).
Farrell received the Cross of Lincoln's Avenger medal for this arrest, but did not share in the reward money given to others involved in the manhunt.
William was born in Troy, NY around 1842. He enlisted in Co D, 2nd New York Infantry on October 15, 1861 but deserted at Falmouth, Virginia by January 24, 1862.
He returned to service with the 16th New York Cavalry, on July 24, 1863, being commissioned a 2nd Lt, Co F. Farrell was ordered to serve more time in the military to make up for the lost time during his desertion. This did not impede his career in the military as he was promoted to 1st Lt on February 23, 1864.
After the Lincoln Assassination Manhunt, the 16th New York Cavalry was merged with the 13th New York Cavalry and became the New York's 3rd Regiment Provisional Calvary, with Farrell serving in Co L. Lt Farrell was mustered out of service on September 15, 1865 at Camp Barry, Washington, DC.
Before returning home to Troy, Farrell, along with his comrade in the 16th New York Cavalry Captain Edward P Doherty (#2278) joined the Fenian Brotherhood in New York City at their headquarters, 22 Duane St. They were sworn in by Col Patrick J Downing (#49566187), who had been the Head Centre for the Fenian Potomac Circle while in the field.
William returned home to Troy becoming a bookkeeper at the Burden Iron Works for some years. By 1883, he was having cognitive issues and committed to the Hudson River State Hospital in Poughkeepsie, NY, becoming a ward of the state. His veteran's pension stated his issues were related to an injury from falling from a horse while in the service.
Farrell was well cared for and thought of as a celebrity in the state hospital. Since his demeanor was nonviolent and docile, doctors at the facility looked after him, taking him out to dinners, operas and other entertainment frequently.
William died suddenly on October 14, 1909 at the hospital and was brought back to Troy by his half brother, James Dwyer. His funeral was held at St Mary's Roman Catholic Church where a large turnout of veterans and notable citizens attended his funeral. Farrell was laid to rest at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Troy, NY.
*The date of death on his headstone is incorrectly stated as 1910 and may be the date the headstone was placed.
References –
• New York Herald, October 15, 1908 (Death)
• Poughkeepsie Eagle, Oct 19, 1909, page 3 (Death)
• Poughkeepsie Eagle, Oct 26, 1909, page 3 (Funeral)
• Poughkeepsie Evening Enterprise, Oct 20, 1909 (Lincoln Avenger Medal & Death)
• Fold3.com, Civil War Pensions Index, William Farrell- image/4986163 Application #264122, Certificate 169975 filed Dec 18, 1878
• American Civil War Research Database, Historical Data Systems, New York: Report of the Adjutant General 1893-1906
• Carson, James, Chasing Mosby, Killing Booth, The 16th New York Volunteer Cavalry, McFarland & Company, Inc, Jefferson, NC, 2017
• Congressional Serial Set, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC, 1866, Pg 22, Exhibit A, Claimant Adjudged to be not entitled to rewards under the terms of the published offers. (Arrest of Mudd)
• The Catholic University of America, Digital collections, Fenian Brotherhood Papers. “Roster of the Military Officers of the Fenian Brotherhood - New York”
Inscription
1st LIEUT. CO. L. 3rd REG. PROV. N.Y. CAV. VOL.
Gravesite Details
This grave is located on the left side of the main road. It's towards the front, in an area near the fence.
