Private Benjamin Moore Linton McCullagh
Benjamin Moore Linton McCullagh was born on 2 October 1888 at Carrowclare, Tamlaght-finlagan, County Londonderry, the last of four children of Scottish-born miner James Leven McCullagh and his wife Sarah Anne (née Moore). His parents had been married in the United States, where they had their first two children. By the time of Benjamin's birth his father had returned to the US, where he worked as a miner in Montana. His mother moved to Montana soon after, but died there in 1891. Benjamin was raised by his uncle Benjamin Moore at his farm at Carrowclare. By the time of the 1911 Census he was living here with his uncle, another uncle and two cousins, and working on the farm.
McCullagh enlisted in the North Irish Horse between 6 and 8 October 1915 (No.1738). He trained at the regiment's Antrim reserve camp before embarking for France around October 1916. There he was posted to B or C Squadron of the 2nd North Irish Horse Regiment, which at the time was serving as corps cavalry to X Corps.
In August-September 1917 the 2nd NIH Regiment was disbanded and its men were transferred to the Royal Irish Fusiliers, an infantry regiment. Most, including McCullagh, were transferred on 20 September and posted to the 9th (Service) Battalion – renamed the 9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion – joining it in the field at Ruyaulcourt five days later. He was issued regimental number 41391.
No information has been discovered about McCullagh's service with the 9th (NIH) Battalion through the latter part of 1917 and during 1918.
After the war McCullagh lived at Greenock, Scotland, where he worked as a plater in the ship-building industry. On 11 May 1921 he married Jeannie Anne Selfridge in the Faughanville Presbyterian Church, Londonderry. The couple emigrated to New York the following month, later settling in Canada.
McCullagh died on 23 September 1972 at Matsqui, Fraser Valley, British Columbia, and was buried in the Hazelwood Cemetery, Abbotsford.
Image of McCullagh from his wedding in 1921 sourced from Ancestry.com Public Member Trees - contributor 'kimbersmom96'. Gravestone image sourced from the Find A Grave website.