Last updated: September 3, 2026
Person
McGonagle, Thomas
NPS Photo
Quick Facts
Significance:
Company C, 41st Ohio Infantry
Place of Birth:
Ohio
Date of Birth:
1836
Place of Death:
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Date of Death:
January 1st, 1863
Place of Burial:
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Cemetery Name:
Stones River National Cemetery
Thomas McGonagle was born in Ohio in 1836 to Robert and Isabella McGonagle. He was the second born of five children: Nancy J., Thomas, John, Joseph Alex, and Elizabeth. On September 9, 1862, at the age of 26, Thomas chose to enlist with the United States Army to serve in the Civil War. He mustered in as a private in Company C of the 41st Ohio Infantry on the same day as his enlistment.
McGonagle mustered into the 41st Ohio one year after its organization. He may have participated in the battle of Perryville (Kentucky) before making his way to Nashville, Tennessee on October 23rd.
On December 26, 1862, the 41st Ohio and Col. William B. Hazen’s brigade marched south toward Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and Gen. Braxton Bragg’s Army of Tennessee. They arrived at the west bank of the Stones River on December 29th.
On December 31, McGonagle and his comrades moved into a wooded are locally known as the Round Forest near the intersection of McFadden Lane and the Nashville Pike. The 41st Ohio stood at the front of the brigade’s line and by 7am they were taking on enemy fire from opposing Confederate forces in a corn field opposite their position. This was the first of 4 consecutive attacks made by Confederates.
Thomas fell wounded during this fighting that led soldiers to refer to area as Hell’s Half Acre.
On January 1, 1863, Hazen’s men pulled out of the Round Forest as their army tightened their lines. As they were leaving the position they had fought so hard to hold, Pvt. McGonagle died.
Thomas McGonagle is laid to rest in Stones River National Cemetery in plot F-2237. Information about his service is listed under alternate last name spellings including, “McConagle,” “McGonigal,” and “McGonigle.”