198th Pennsylvania Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 198th Pennsylvania Infantry (One Year’s Service) was an infantry regiment organized in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, during the summer of 1864. The regiment, also known as the 6th Union League Regiment, was mustered into United States service in early September 1864 for a one-year term. Serving in the Union Army, the regiment was attached to the Army of the Potomac and participated in the final campaigns of the Civil War in the Eastern Theater.

The regiment was notable for its rapid organization, its association with the Union League of Philadelphia, and its active involvement in the closing operations against Petersburg and during the Appomattox Campaign. The 198th Pennsylvania Infantry received its regimental colors from the Union League association before departing for the front.

Organization & Service

The 198th Pennsylvania Infantry was recruited in Philadelphia and mustered into service in early September 1864. In October 1864, an additional battalion of four companies was added, bringing the regiment to full strength. The regiment left Pennsylvania on September 19, 1864, and joined the Army of the Potomac in front of Petersburg, Virginia.

Upon arrival, the 198th was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 5th Army Corps. Its first engagement was at the Battle of Peebles’ Farm, where it suffered its initial casualties. The regiment subsequently participated in the action at Hatcher’s Run and then entered winter quarters on the Squirrel Level Road. In December 1864, the regiment took part in the Weldon Railroad expedition. In February 1865, it was engaged at Dabney’s Mill, where it was noted for its gallantry during intense fighting.

During the opening of the final campaign in March 1865, the 198th Pennsylvania Infantry was heavily engaged at Quaker Road and Gravelly Run, suffering severe losses, including several officers killed or wounded. The regiment fought at White Oak Swamp on March 31, 1865, and participated in the Battle of Five Forks, where Major Edwin A. Glenn was mortally wounded. Following these actions, the regiment took part in the pursuit of Confederate forces leading up to the surrender of General Lee. The 198th Pennsylvania Infantry was mustered out of service at Arlington Heights, Virginia, on June 3, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Peebles’ Farm (September 1864)
• Hatcher’s Run (October 1864)
• Weldon Railroad Expedition (December 1864)
• Dabney’s Mill (February 1865)
• Quaker Road (March 1865)
• Gravelly Run (March 1865)
• White Oak Swamp (March 31, 1865)
• Five Forks (April 1, 1865)
• Appomattox Campaign and pursuit to Lee’s surrender (April 1865)

Casualties

The 198th Pennsylvania Infantry suffered significant losses during its service. The regiment reported a total of 311 killed, wounded, and missing in its major engagements. At White Oak Swamp, the regiment lost 6 killed and 46 wounded. At Five Forks, the loss was 1 killed and 15 wounded. More detailed breakdowns by cause (killed, died of disease, etc.) are not specified in available primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Horatio G. Sickel
• Lieutenant Colonel John B. Murray
• Major Edwin A. Glenn (mortally wounded at Five Forks)
• Major C. I. Maceuen (killed in action)
• Major P. Stackhouse
• Major John Stanton

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 198th Pennsylvania Infantry (One Year’s Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and service details for members of the regiment.

To view the complete roster, visit the 198th Pennsylvania Infantry (One Year’s Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. XLII, XLVI
• Pennsylvania Adjutant General’s Report, 1865
• Dyer, Frederick H. “A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion”
• Fox, William F. “Regimental Losses in the American Civil War”
• “The Union Army,” Federal Publishing Company, 1908, Vol. 1