95th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 95th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), also known as the “Warren Rifles,” was an infantry regiment organized in New York City and its vicinity for service in the Union Army during the American Civil War. The regiment was mustered into United States service between November 1861 and March 1862. Serving in the Eastern Theater, the 95th New York participated in many of the major campaigns and battles of the Army of the Potomac, including Manassas, Antietam, Gettysburg, and the final Appomattox Campaign.

The regiment was noted for its high level of engagement throughout the war, suffering significant casualties in several major battles. It reenlisted as a veteran regiment in early 1864, ensuring its continued service until the end of the conflict. The 95th New York was mustered out at Washington, D.C., on July 16, 1865.

Organization & Service

The 95th New York Infantry was recruited mainly in New York City and surrounding areas. It was mustered into federal service at New York from November 1861 to March 1862 for a term of three years. The regiment departed for Washington, D.C., on March 18, 1862, where it was initially attached to General Wadsworth’s command in the defenses of the capital. It was subsequently assigned to the Department of the Rappahannock at Acquia Creek.

During the summer of 1862, the 95th New York joined the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 3rd Corps, and participated in the Virginia campaign, including the Second Battle of Manassas, where it suffered heavy losses. In September 1862, the division was transferred to the 1st Corps, and the regiment was active at South Mountain and Antietam. That autumn, it took part in operations at Philomont, Union, and Upperville, Virginia. At Fredericksburg, the regiment was not heavily engaged.

In 1863, the 95th New York served with the 5th Corps, participating in the Chancellorsville Campaign and fighting at Gettysburg, where it incurred significant casualties. The regiment was present at Rappahannock Station in October and took part in the Mine Run Campaign. During the winter at Brandy Station, most members reenlisted, securing the regiment’s status as a veteran unit.

Throughout the 1864 campaigns under General Grant, the 95th New York was heavily engaged, losing many men at the Wilderness and in subsequent actions. Colonel Edward Pye was mortally wounded at Cold Harbor. The regiment continued to serve before Petersburg, at the Weldon Railroad, Poplar Spring Church, Hatcher’s Run, the Hicksford Raid, and in the Appomattox Campaign. The regiment was mustered out at Washington, D.C., on July 16, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Defenses of Washington, D.C. (Spring 1862)
• Virginia Campaign (including Second Battle of Manassas, August 1862)
• South Mountain (September 1862)
• Antietam (September 1862)
• Philomont, Union, and Upperville, Virginia (Autumn 1862)
• Fredericksburg (December 1862)
• Chancellorsville Campaign (Spring 1863)
• Gettysburg (July 1863)
• Rappahannock Station (October 1863)
• Mine Run Campaign (November–December 1863)
• Wilderness (May 1864)
• Cold Harbor (June 1864)
• Petersburg Campaign (June 1864–April 1865)
• Weldon Railroad
• Poplar Spring Church
• Hatcher’s Run
• Hicksford Raid
• Appomattox Campaign (March–April 1865)

Casualties

• Killed or mortally wounded: 119
• Died of disease and other causes: 136 (including 80 who died in imprisonment)
• Total known losses: 255

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel George H. Biddle
• Colonel Edward Pye (mortally wounded at Cold Harbor)
• Colonel James Creney
• Lieutenant Colonel James B. Post
• Lieutenant Colonel James Creney
• Lieutenant Colonel Robert W. Bard
• Major Edward Pye
• Major Robert W. Bard
• Major Abram S. Gurnee
• Major Henry M. Jennings
• Major Samuel C. Timpson
• Major George D. Knight

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of officers and enlisted men who served in the 95th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) is available on the regiment’s roster page. This resource provides names, ranks, and additional service details valuable for genealogical and historical research.

To view the full roster, visit the 95th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts (Army of the Potomac reports, 1862–1865)
• New York State Adjutant General’s Report, Annual Reports for 1862–1865
• 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, Volume 2