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Congressional Medal of Honor
Michael Dougherty petitioned for recognition of his acts of bravery during the Civil War, with the support and testimony of his superior, Colonel M. Kerwin. As a result, on January 23, 1897, he received a letter confirming that sufficient evidence had been submitted to grant him the Medal of Honor. The letter stated that the medal was being sent to him that same day "by direction of the president and in accordance with the act of Congress approved March 3, 1863..."
The medal presented in this collection combines two versions: the ribbon is from the 1897 issue, and the metal medallion is from a 1927 reissue. The 1897 medal is identifiable by its ribbon, which features vertical red, white, and blue stripes—a traditional design for this period. The 1927 version of the medal includes a slightly altered medallion, with more intricate detailing in the bronze eagle at the top and laurel leaves surrounding the star. The 1927 design also incorporates the word "Valor," highlighting the act of bravery for which the medal was awarded.
This collection includes a certificate verifying the receipt of the 1927 medal.Tags Featured -
Leather Medal of Honor Case
This leather case, lined with silk, is believed to have originally housed Michael Dougherty’s 1897 Medal of Honor. Dougherty (1844–1930). The exterior shows significant wear, with visible discoloration and scuffing. The interior silk lining is heavily stained and shows signs of age-related deterioration, particularly at the edges.Tags Featured -
Medal for Bravery in Battle
This medal was awarded to Michael Dougherty for Bravery in Battle. The reverse side lists three locations—Cedar Creek, Winchester, and Jefferson, Virginia—and their respective dates, acknowledging Dougherty's involvement in those battles. It also recognizes his 23 months spent in Southern prisons during the Civil War. The front side of the medal bears Dougherty's name and commemorates his service with Company B, 13th Pennsylvania Cavalry.
The medal was presented by Colonel M. Kerwin, who later became a Brigadier General in the Fenian Brotherhood, explaining the different titles used for him in related documentsTags Featured -
Pre-Enlistment Diary
A small diary filled with poems, some of which are signed by Michael Dougherty, notes, drafts of letters, and a small amount of record-keeping notes. The diary contains a poem about the death of Colonel Edward D. Baker at Ball's Bluff, which ends with the attack on Fort Sumter on April 12th, 1861. It describes the early stages of the Civil War. -
Prisoner of War Diary
A handwritten diary that documents Michael’s time spent as a prisoner of war in Pemberton, Barrett's, Belle Isle, Libby, and Andersonville prisons up to his release. Michael was captured on October 12th, 1863, sent to Andersonville in March 1862, and was released at the end of the Civil War in 1865. The presence of ink and pencil suggests revisions were made to entries, possibly before the diary was published in 1908 with the help of his son Chas. A. Dougherty. -
Grand Army of the Republic Kepi Cap
This kepi cap belonged to Michael Dougherty, a member of the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.), has no visible insignia, making its specific date of use unclear. The manufacturer’s mark inside indicates it was made by Charles Naylor of Philadelphia. Caps like this were commonly worn during commemorative events by veterans of the Union Army. -
Medal of Honor Certificate [1927]
This certificate awards Michael Dougherty the Congressional Medal of Honor for his bravery during the Civil War. The action occurred on October 12, 1863, at Jefferson, VA, where Dougherty led a detachment that defended an unoccupied house against repeated enemy attacks. Originally awarded the Medal of Honor in 1897, Dougherty received a second medal and certificate in 1927. The ribbon from the 1897 Medal of Honor can be seen attached to the 1927 medallion. His superior, Colonel M. Kerwin, supported the petition for recognition, underscoring Dougherty's gallantry during the conflict. -
Pension Certificate
A pension certificate issued to Michael Dougherty, acknowledging his service during the Civil War and granting him a military pension. This reissue reflects that he was receiving a "special pension" as part of the Medal of Honor Roll. The certificate details his rank, service with Company B of the 13th Pennsylvania Cavalry, and the terms of his pension, highlighting Dougherty's post-war life and the government's recognition of his military service and sacrifices. -
Naturalization Certificate
This certificate acknowledges Michael Dougherty's intention to become a citizen of the United States. The document was issued by the Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia, certifying his allegiance and fidelity to the U.S. government, detailing his residency, and confirming his intent to support the Constitution. -
Marriage Certificate for Michael Dougherty and Rose McGee
This duplicate marriage certificate documents the union of Michael Dougherty and Rose McGee, who were married on October 2, 1869. Created on May 2, 1908, by Rev. Maurice W. Fitzgerald at St. Mark’s Church in Bristol, Pennsylvania, the certificate records their long-standing marriage. Notably, both Michael’s and Rose’s last names are misspelled on the document. -
Gettysburg 50th Anniversary Letter
This handwritten letter, sent by Michael Dougherty to his daughter Sister M. Adolpha, details his visit to Gettysburg in July 1913 for the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. The letter includes reflections on his participation in the events, descriptions of the memorials and commemorations, and observations on the veterans' reunion. It offers a personal perspective on the gathering atmosphere and Dougherty's experience as a former soldier revisiting the historic battlefield. At an unknown date, someone marked the pages to correct spelling and added punctuation to the letters. The pages of the letter were also permanently laminated together. -
Michael Dougherty a garden
A digitized copy of a photograph showing Michael Dougherty standing in a garden. -
Michael Dougherty with his daugherts, Helen and Mary
A digitized copy of a photograph showing Michael Dougherty standing with his daughters Helen (Sister Rose Margaret) and Mary (Mother M. Adolpha). -
Michael Dougherty in front of his home 324 Dorrance St.
A digitized copy of a photograph showing Michael Dougherty standing in front of his home, 324 Dorract Street.