109th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 109th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized at Binghamton, New York, and mustered into United States service on August 28, 1862, for a three-year term. The regiment was composed of companies recruited from Tompkins, Tioga, and Broome counties, forming part of the 24th senatorial district. Serving in the Union Army, the 109th New York Infantry gained a reputation for discipline, efficiency, and hard fighting, and was recognized by Col. Fox as one of the “three hundred fighting regiments” of the Civil War.

Organization & Service

The 109th New York Infantry was organized at Binghamton and mustered in on August 28, 1862. Shortly after organization, the regiment moved to Annapolis Junction, Maryland, where it was assigned to guard duty along the railroad line to Washington, D.C., with some companies stationed at Laurel, Maryland. The regiment remained on this duty for the remainder of 1862 and throughout 1863.

In the spring of 1864, the regiment was ordered to join the IX Corps, then assembling at Annapolis, Maryland. It was assigned to Hartranft’s (1st) Brigade, Willcox’s (3rd) Division, later serving in Harriman’s Brigade of Willcox’s (1st) Division. The regiment left Annapolis on April 23, 1864, and crossed the Rapidan River on May 5, 1864, entering its first major engagement at the Battle of the Wilderness the following day. The 109th participated in the Overland Campaign, including the battles of Spotsylvania and the assault on Petersburg, and was engaged at the Battle of the Crater (Mine Explosion) and the Weldon Railroad. The regiment also fought at the Boydton Plank Road and endured heavy losses while serving in the trenches before Petersburg, suffering casualties almost daily during this period.

Colonel Benjamin F. Tracy resigned on May 20, 1864, and was succeeded by Colonel Isaac S. Catlin. The regiment continued in active service until it was mustered out on June 4, 1865, at Delaney House, Washington, D.C.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Guard duty along the railroad to Washington, D.C. (1862–1863)
• Wilderness Campaign (May 1864)
• Battle of the Wilderness (May 6, 1864)
• Spotsylvania Court House
• Assault on Petersburg (June 17, 1864)
• Battle of the Crater (Mine Explosion, July 30, 1864)
• Weldon Railroad (August 19, 1864)
• Boydton Plank Road (October 27, 1864)
• Siege of Petersburg (1864–1865)

Casualties

• Killed or mortally wounded: 5 officers, 160 enlisted men
• Died of disease and other causes: 164 enlisted men
• Total deaths: 329
• Total enrollment: 1,353
• Percentage killed to total enrollment: 12.1%

During eleven months of field service, the regiment suffered 614 men killed and wounded, aside from those missing or taken prisoner. Casualty figures are based on Fox and official reports.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Benjamin F. Tracy
• Colonel Isaac S. Catlin
• Lieutenant Colonel Philo B. Stilson
• Major Philo B. Stilson
• Major George W. Dunn
• Major Zelotus G. Gordon

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 109th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides details on company assignments, ranks, and service records.

To view the complete roster, visit the 109th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. 36, 40, 46
• 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, Vol. 2, Federal Publishing Company, 1908