John Ryan, 69th Pennsylvania | Captured at Gettysburg, 1863

John Ryan, 69th Pennsylvania | Captured at Gettysburg, 1863

John Ryan enlisted in the 69th Pennsylvania with a number of Schuylkill County men at Pottsville, PA in September 1861. The 69th, a largely Irish unit, became part of the famed Philadelphia Brigade during the Civil War. He worked his way through the ranks to become an officer in the regiment. Confederate infantry engulfed his company during Pickett’s Charge at Gettysburg on July 3, 1863 and Lieutenant Ryan was among those captured. Painting of t…