John J. Duryea

John J. Duryea was born on Long Island, sometime around December 1840. The circumstances which brought him to Detroit are unknown. By the summer of 1862, John was working as a printer. He was one of 21 men with that occupation.

John enlisted in Company B on July 24, 1862. He was given the rank of sergeant. He was 21 years old. His company was mustered into service on August 13, 1862.

The photograph at left was taken at Raymond's Photographic Gallery, Detroit. Since it does not bear a revenue stamp, it was probably taken in August 1862, before the Regiment left for Washington. Many other 24th men posed in front of the same backdrop.

After a long period of service, John Duryea was wounded in the head by a minnie ball during the initial assault on Petersburg on June 18, 1864. His wound was severe. It kept him in hospital for months. Eventually it became obvious that John was unfit for further military service. John was discharged at Detroit on May 26, 1865. June 20, 1865.

The 1904 Roster of the Survivors of the Iron Brigade indicates that John was living at the National Soldiers Home in Milwaukee. Wisconsin. Family history relates that he served as "postmaster" while at the home.

John Jacob Duryea died on March 1, 1912 at the National Soldiers Home, Milwaukee, WI (Now a VA hospital.). He is buried in the Wood National Cemetery, (formerly the National Home Cemetery.) Section 18, Grave 292.

John J. Duryea

Photograph and a substantial amount of the information for this page is courtesy Marci Duryea. Used with permission.