185th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 185th New York Infantry (One Year’s Service) was an infantry regiment organized in Syracuse, New York, during the late summer of 1864. Composed primarily of recruits from Onondaga and Cortland counties, it was also known as the 6th Onondaga County Regiment, the Onondaga and Cortland Regiment, and the Otsego Regiment. The unit served in the Union Army, primarily in the Army of the Potomac, and participated in the final campaigns of the Civil War in the Eastern Theater.

The regiment was mustered into United States service for one year, with companies mustered between September 19 and September 25, 1864. Despite its brief period of service, the 185th New York Infantry distinguished itself in several significant engagements during the closing months of the war.

Organization & Service

Efforts to organize the 185th New York Infantry began with a public meeting at Syracuse City Hall in August 1864, resulting in the formation of a committee of leading citizens to recruit and organize the regiment. The regiment was officially organized at Syracuse on August 26, 1864. Companies A, B, C, D, E, G, H, and I were mustered into service on September 19; Company K on September 21; and Company F on September 25, 1864. The regiment’s initial strength was 923 officers and men.

The 185th left New York State on September 27, 1864, and proceeded directly to the front, joining the Army of the Potomac before Petersburg, Virginia. Upon arrival on October 1, it was assigned to the 1st Brigade, Griffin’s Division, 5th Army Corps. The regiment saw its first action at Burgess Farm shortly after joining the army, sustaining a few casualties. In December 1864, it participated in the Hicksford Raid, losing six men captured. The regiment fought in the second battle of Hatcher’s Run in February 1865, with 16 men killed, wounded, or missing. It was present without loss at Watkins’ House in March 1865.

During the Appomattox Campaign, the 185th New York was engaged at Quaker Road, Gravelly Run, Five Forks, and Appomattox. At Quaker Road, Colonel Gustavus Sniper led the regiment in a notable charge, personally carrying the colors after three color-bearers had fallen. The regiment suffered heavy losses in this action, with 203 killed and wounded. Lieutenants E. F. Bauder and Daniel Miller were among those killed. Lieutenant Hiram Clark was killed in the final skirmish at Appomattox on the day of Lee’s surrender. The regiment was mustered out near Washington, D.C., on May 30, 1865, under Colonel Sniper. Remaining three-year men were transferred to the 5th New York Veteran Infantry.

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

  • Burgess Farm (October 1864)
  • Hicksford Raid (December 1864)
  • Second Battle of Hatcher’s Run (February 1865)
  • Watkins’ House (March 1865)
  • Appomattox Campaign (March–April 1865): Quaker Road, Gravelly Run, Five Forks, Appomattox

Casualties

  • Killed and mortally wounded: 3 officers, 59 enlisted men
  • Died of disease and other causes: 3 officers, 33 enlisted men
  • Total deaths: 98
  • At Quaker Road: 203 killed and wounded (included in totals above)

Figures are based on official reports and regimental histories.

Field Officers & Commanders

  • Colonel Edwin S. Jenny
  • Colonel Gustavus Sniper
  • Lieutenant Colonel Gustavus Sniper
  • Lieutenant Colonel Theodore M. Barber
  • Major John Leo
  • Major Robert P. Bush
  • Lieutenant E. F. Bauder (killed at Quaker Road)
  • Lieutenant Daniel Miller (killed at Quaker Road)
  • Lieutenant Hiram Clark (killed at Appomattox)

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of officers and enlisted men who served in the 185th New York Infantry (One Year’s Service) is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster includes enlistment details, ranks, and service notes when available.

To view the full roster, visit the 185th New York Infantry (One Year’s Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

  • Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. XLII, XLVI, XLVII
  • New York State Adjutant General’s Report, Annual Reports for 1864 and 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
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