Overview
The 105th Indiana Infantry (Minute Men) was a short-term Union infantry regiment organized in Indiana during the emergency caused by Morgan’s Raid in July 1863. The regiment was formed in response to the incursion of Confederate cavalry under Brig. Gen. John Hunt Morgan, which prompted a rapid mobilization of Indiana citizens for state defense. The 105th Indiana Infantry was organized and mustered into service at Indianapolis on July 12, 1863, and served for a brief period in the Department of the Ohio.
This unit is distinct from other Indiana regiments formed for different service terms or under different designations.
Organization & Service
The 105th Indiana Infantry (Minute Men) was organized on July 12, 1863, at Indianapolis, Indiana, in response to the emergency created by Morgan’s Raid. The regiment consisted of seven companies from the Indiana Legion and three companies of minute men, with companies raised from Henry (2), Randolph (2), Union, Putnam, Hancock, Wayne, Clinton, and Madison counties.
Upon organization, the regiment was ordered to Lawrenceburg and disembarked at Morris Station. The following day, it marched to Sunman’s Station and then to Van Wedden’s Station, following the path of Morgan’s raiders. The regiment continued the pursuit to near Harrison, Ohio. When reports indicated that Morgan might attempt to return and capture Lawrenceburg, the 105th Indiana Infantry redeployed to intercept him. During this maneuver, confusion led to indiscriminate firing among the regiment’s own men, resulting in casualties. The regiment was mustered out of service at Indianapolis on July 18, 1863, having served for approximately one week.
Research This Regiment Further
If you’d like to explore this unit’s history in more depth, regimental histories and Civil War reference works offer valuable detail.
Engagements & Campaigns
- Emergency response to Morgan’s Raid in Indiana, July 1863
- Marches and pursuit along the route of Morgan’s cavalry: Morris Station, Sunman’s Station, Van Wedden’s Station, near Harrison, Ohio
Casualties
During the regiment’s brief service, five men were killed and eighteen wounded as a result of accidental firing among the regiment while maneuvering to intercept Morgan’s forces. No other casualties are recorded for this unit.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Colonel Kline G. Shryock
- Lieutenant Colonel John N. Hartley
- Major Robert E. Smith
Regimental Roster
The full roster of the 105th Indiana Infantry (Minute Men), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. For a complete listing of soldiers who served in this regiment, please visit the regimental roster page.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. 23, Part II
- Indiana Adjutant General’s Report
- Dyer, Frederick H., A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
- The Union Army, Vol. 3 (Federal Publishing Company, 1908)