Overview
The 142nd Indiana Infantry (Union) was an infantry regiment organized in Indiana during the American Civil War. Mustered into United States service at Indianapolis on November 3, 1864, the regiment served in the Western Theater. Its primary duty was garrison and defensive work in Nashville, Tennessee, during the latter part of the war.
The regiment was recruited primarily at Fort Wayne and was part of the Union Army’s efforts to reinforce and defend key positions in Tennessee during the critical campaigns of late 1864 and 1865.
Organization & Service
The 142nd Indiana Infantry was organized at Fort Wayne, Indiana, in the summer and fall of 1864. The regiment was officially mustered in at Indianapolis on November 3, 1864, under the command of Colonel John M. Comparet, Lieutenant Colonel Chauncey B. Oakley, and Major Sanford Thomas. After mustering, the regiment departed Indiana on November 18, 1864, and proceeded to Nashville, Tennessee.
Upon arrival in Nashville, the 142nd Indiana was assigned to the 2nd Brigade, 4th Division, 20th Corps. Unlike other elements of the 20th Corps that marched with Sherman’s army into Georgia, the 4th Division, including the 142nd Indiana, remained in Nashville. The regiment performed garrison and defensive duties, notably occupying the left of the inner line of defense from the Cumberland River to Fort Negley during the Battle of Nashville in December 1864. The unit remained stationed in Nashville on post duty until it was mustered out of service on July 14, 1865.
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
- Garrison and defensive duty at Nashville, Tennessee (November 1864 – July 1865)
- Battle of Nashville (December 15–16, 1864) – in reserve, occupying the left of the inner line of defense
Casualties
- Original strength: 967
- Gained by recruits: 48
- Total enrolled: 1,015
- Loss by death: 64
- Deserted: 28
- Unaccounted for: 22
Field Officers & Commanders
- Colonel John M. Comparet
- Lieutenant Colonel Chauncey B. Oakley
- Major Sanford Thomas
Regimental Roster
The full roster of the 142nd Indiana Infantry, including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and additional service details where available.
To view the complete list of soldiers who served in this regiment, visit the 142nd Indiana Infantry Regimental Roster page.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. 45
- Indiana Adjutant General’s Report
- Dyer, Frederick H. 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. 3