119th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 119th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized at New York City during the summer of 1862 for Union service in the American Civil War. Mustered in on September 4–5, 1862, the regiment served in the Eastern and Western Theaters, participating in major campaigns with the Army of the Potomac and later with the Army of the Cumberland and Sherman’s forces. The regiment was noted for its involvement in key battles such as Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and the Atlanta Campaign.

The 119th New York Infantry was attached to the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 11th Corps, and later to the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 20th Corps. The regiment was mustered out at Bladensburg, Maryland, on June 7, 1865.

Organization & Service

The 119th New York Infantry was recruited and organized in New York City in the summer of 1862 and mustered into United States service for three years on September 4–5, 1862. The regiment departed for Washington, D.C., on September 6, 1862, and was assigned to the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division (Schurz’s), 11th Corps (Howard). The unit spent its first winter in quarters at Stafford, Virginia.

In May 1863, the regiment participated in the Battle of Chancellorsville, where it suffered significant losses, including the death of Colonel Elias Peissner. At Gettysburg in July 1863, under Colonel John T. Lockman, the 119th was heavily engaged on the first two days, incurring further heavy casualties. After returning to Virginia, the regiment and its corps were ordered to Tennessee in September 1863. The 119th was present at the Battle of Wauhatchie and fought at Missionary Ridge, then moved with the corps to relieve Knoxville, enduring difficult conditions during the campaign.

In April 1864, following the dissolution of the 11th Corps, the regiment was assigned to the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 20th Corps under General Hooker, with General Geary commanding the division. The 119th participated in the Atlanta Campaign, fighting at Rocky Face Ridge, Resaca (where Lieutenant Colonel Edward F. Lloyd was killed), New Hope Church, Kennesaw Mountain, Peachtree Creek, and the siege of Atlanta. After Atlanta’s fall, the regiment remained to garrison the city before joining Sherman’s March to the Sea, including the siege and occupation of Savannah.

In early 1865, the regiment took part in the Carolinas Campaign, engaging at Averasboro, Bentonville, Raleigh, and Bennett’s House. After the surrender of General Johnston, the 119th marched to Washington, D.C., participated in the Grand Review, and was mustered out at Bladensburg, Maryland, on June 7, 1865, under Colonel Lockman. The regiment’s total enrollment was 69 officers and 981 men.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Battle of Chancellorsville (May 1863)
• Battle of Gettysburg (July 1863)
• Battle of Wauhatchie (October 1863)
• Battle of Missionary Ridge (November 1863)
• Relief of Knoxville (November–December 1863)
• Atlanta Campaign (May–September 1864): Rocky Face Ridge, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kennesaw Mountain, Peachtree Creek, Siege of Atlanta
• Sherman’s March to the Sea (November–December 1864): Siege of Savannah
• Carolinas Campaign (February–April 1865): Averasboro, Bentonville, Raleigh, Bennett’s House

Casualties

• Killed or mortally wounded: 6 officers, 71 enlisted men
• Died of disease and other causes: 2 officers, 92 enlisted men
• Total deaths: 171

Casualty figures are based on official reports and regimental records.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Elias Peissner (killed at Chancellorsville)
• Colonel John T. Lockman
• Lieutenant Colonel John T. Lockman
• Lieutenant Colonel Edward F. Lloyd (killed at Resaca)
• Lieutenant Colonel Isaac P. Lockman
• Major Harvey Baldwin, Jr.
• Major Benjamin A. Willis
• Major Isaac P. Lockman
• Major Charles F. Lewis
• Major Chester H. Southworth

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 119th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides details on enlistments, ranks, and service records.

To view the complete roster, visit the 119th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 25, 27, 28, 38, 44
• New York State Adjutant General’s Report
• 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. 2