The Descendants of John Heywood of Concord, Massachusetts

Page 149-150

Joseph A. Modica was the son of Joseph and Achsa Modica, and was born in Boston, May 6, 1840. His father removed to Henniker soon after, and in the academy there Joseph received his education. He was engaged in mercantile business in Boston at the braking out of the war. On August 13, 1862, he enlisted in Henniker as a private in Company D, Eleventh New Hampshire Volunteers; was promoted to first lieutenant July 1, 1863, and followed the fortunes of his regiment, brigade, and division until the close of the war. He was mustered out of the service June 4, 1865. At the siege of Knoxville, Lieutenant Modica had charge of a body of workmen in strengthening the water fefences of the city by the erection of several dams between the main and picket line. During the last campaign he served many months upon the staff of Major-General Potter, commanding Second Division, Ninth Army Corps, and was appointed captain of United States Volunteers, by brevet, for gallant and meritorious conduct before Petersburg, Va., April 2, 1865. Since the war he has been a resident of Chicago and Peoria, Ill., and of St. Louis, Mo., and is now of Kansas City, Mo. The larger portion of the time he has been engaged in railroad service, holding responsible and influential positions.