Henry Boyd McKeen

(1835 - 1864)
Home State: Pennsylvania
Command Billet: Commanding Regiment
Branch of Service: Infantry
Unit: 81st Pennsylvania Infantry

see his Battle Report

Before the Antietam Campaign:
He mustered in the service Oct. 27,1861, as adjutant of the 81st. He was promoted to Major, June 1, 1862.

The remainder of the War:
In November, Colonel Johnson resigned on account of wounds received at Charles City Crossroads, and Major McKeen was promoted to Colonel. He was wounded in command of the Regiment at Fredericksburg (Dec 1862) and again, after his return, at Chancellorsville (May 1863). He led the Regiment at Gettysburg, where again he was wounded. During the Wilderness Campaign, on May 14, 1864. He was assigned to command the first brigade in the second division replacing General Alexander Webb, mortally wounded on May 12.

On June 3, at Cold Harbor, he was mortally wounded leading his men in the Federal frontal assault on the Confederate positions.

References, Sources, and other notes:
Source: Taylor's Philadelphia in the Civil War, 1861-1865: PA - posted online by RootsWeb; and
Bates, Samuel P., History of the Pennsylvania Volunteers, 1861-65, Harrisburg, 1868-1871. - available online.

The photograph above is part of a CDV sold in 2005 by Cowan Auctions.

Death Date: 6/3/1864

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