Thomas E. Byrd
Written as “Tom Byrd”
Thomas E. Byrd, 22, enlisted in New York City on September 6, 1862, for three years, and was mustered in as a private in Company B of the 176th New York. He was promoted corporal and mustered out on February 15, 1864 (176th roster, p. 877).
James heard that “all the three-year men are going home, Byrd, Van Namm and all those that refused duty after four months imprisonment are discharged” (James, February 21, 1864). Back in Brooklyn the two went into business together: the city directory for 1863 lists “Byrd & Van Name, painters”, on Broadway near Flushing Avenue, and “Byrd Thomas E. painter” at the same place (1863 Brooklyn City Directory). In April he wrote: “Now that Tom Byrd has got home I suppose Miss Peterson and he will be making a match of it” (James, April 13, 1864).