Born in Ireland,___Son of Lawrence Gaffney,___by occupation a Musician,___Married,___at the age of 43 enlisted for three in the 10th. Regiment of Infantry, Mass. Vols.__Company E.
Mustered into service June 15, 1861, at Springfield, Mass.
On arrival of the regiment at Washington, he was detailed as musician and appointed Drum Major of the regiment.
While the regiment was participating in Gen. McClellan's peninsular campaign against Richmond, Gaffney was obliged to enter hospital at Young's Mills, and there remained about two weeks. When the regiment reached Warwick Court House, Gaffney was discharged for disability from the service, and returned to Chicopee April 30, 1862.
July 11th., 1862, he re-enlisted as a private for three years in the 37th. Regiment of Infantry, Mass. Vols.__Comapny A.
About two weeks after the regiment arrived at Camp Chase, near Washington, Gaffney was appointed principal Musician of the regiment with the rank of Drum Major.
In March 1863, he received a furlough for 10 days, and visited Chicopee.
June 24, 1864, he was sent to hospital at City Point, Va.__After three weeks he was transferred to the hospital on David's Island, N.Y. Harbor, and remained there four weeks. Thence returned to the Camp of distribution at Alexandria Va.; thence to City Point, in expectation of finding the regiment, but it had been ordered to the Shenandoah Valley. Therefore he proceeded to Harper's Ferry, via Washington, and joined the regiment September 16, 1864, three days before the battle of Winchester.
Furloughed 15 days ending February 27, 1865, and visited Chicopee.
He continued on duty with his Regiment after his return till date of discharge June 21, 1865.

Died Chicopee Mass January 26, 1889. Aged 69 y-7 mo-24 days.]]>