James Kerrigan

James Kerrigan (December 25, 1828 – November 1, 1899) was an American military veteran and politician who served one term as a United States representative from New York from 1861 to 1863. He was born in New York City, New York, where he completed preparatory studies and attended Fordham College, then a growing Jesuit institution that drew many young men from the city’s Irish American community. His early education prepared him for a career that would span military service, local government, national politics, and transnational nationalist causes.

Kerrigan first entered military service during the Mexican–American War. He served in Company D, First Regiment, New York Volunteer Infantry, gaining early combat experience in a conflict that shaped the careers of many future Civil War officers and political leaders. After the war, he joined the filibustering expedition of William Walker to Nicaragua, a private military venture that sought to establish American influence in Central America. During this period in Nicaragua, Kerrigan held the rank of captain and, for a brief time, served as alcalde of the Nicaraguan capital, an office that combined judicial and administrative responsibilities under local authority.

Upon returning to New York City, Kerrigan became active in municipal affairs. He was elected alderman of the Sixth Ward, a politically significant district in lower Manhattan, where he participated in the governance of the rapidly growing city. In addition to his service as alderman, he held the position of clerk of the Manhattan Police Court, a role that placed him at the intersection of law enforcement and the city’s judicial system. These local offices helped establish his reputation as a public figure and laid the groundwork for his later congressional career.

With the outbreak of the American Civil War, Kerrigan again entered military service, this time on the Union side. He organized a regiment and was commissioned colonel of the 25th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He served in this capacity from May 19, 1861, until February 21, 1862. During his tenure as colonel, he faced accusations of harboring Confederate sympathies and of failing to maintain good order and discipline among his troops. As a result of these controversies, he was allowed to resign his command, ending his active military role in the Civil War.

Kerrigan’s national political career coincided with his Civil War service. He was elected as an Independent Democrat, also described as a member of the Independent Party representing New York, to the Thirty-seventh Congress, serving from March 4, 1861, to March 3, 1863. His term in the House of Representatives took place during a critical period in American history, as Congress grappled with issues of secession, war powers, and emancipation. While in Congress, Kerrigan participated in the legislative process and represented the interests of his New York constituents. His tenure was marked by a notable incident on the House floor: he was arrested and removed from the chamber after continuing to speak beyond his allotted time in opposition to a bill appropriating funds for the abolition of slavery in Missouri, reflecting his willingness to challenge prevailing wartime measures.

After leaving Congress, Kerrigan became an ardent supporter of Irish nationalism. In 1866, during the Fenian movement’s efforts to pressure Britain by attacking its North American possessions, he took part in the planned invasion of Canada and led a company across the border. His involvement in Irish nationalist activities continued the following year. In 1867, he commanded the vessel Erin’s Hope, which transported arms and ammunition to the Irish coast in support of revolutionary efforts there, underscoring his ongoing commitment to the cause of Irish independence and transatlantic nationalist networks.

In the final phase of his life, Kerrigan remained active and continued to travel. In 1899, he accompanied an expedition to Alaska, a journey that proved detrimental to his health. He returned from Alaska in poor condition and died later that year in Brooklyn, New York, on November 1, 1899. James Kerrigan was interred in Saint Raymond’s Cemetery in the Bronx, New York, closing a life that had encompassed service in two wars, participation in foreign military ventures, local and national political office, and engagement in international nationalist movements.