115th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 115th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), known as the “Iron Hearts,” was an infantry regiment organized in Fonda, New York, in August 1862. Composed primarily of men from Fulton, Hamilton, Montgomery, and Saratoga counties, the regiment served in the Union Army throughout the Eastern and Southern theaters of the Civil War. The 115th New York was mustered into federal service on August 26, 1862, and participated in numerous significant campaigns and battles until its mustering out in June 1865.

This regiment is recognized for its heavy engagement and losses in several major actions, earning a place among Fox’s “three hundred fighting regiments” of the war.

Organization & Service

The 115th New York Infantry was organized at Fonda, New York, and mustered into service for three years on August 26, 1862. The regiment departed New York on August 30, 1862, and proceeded to Sandy Hook, Maryland, where it received arms and equipment. Within weeks, the regiment was involved in the defense of Harper’s Ferry and, along with other Union troops, was surrendered on September 15, 1862. The men were paroled and sent to Chicago, Illinois, to await exchange.

After exchange, the regiment was ordered to Hilton Head and Beaufort, South Carolina, where it served through 1863. In late January 1864, the 115th was sent to Florida and took part in the battle of Olustee, suffering heavy casualties. In April 1864, the regiment joined the 10th Corps and moved to Virginia, participating in the campaign against Richmond as part of Barton’s (2nd) Brigade, Turner’s (2nd) Division, 10th Corps. The regiment saw action at Port Walthall Junction, Chester Station, Ware Bottom Church, Drewry’s Bluff, and Bermuda Hundred, and was temporarily attached to the 18th Corps during the battle of Cold Harbor.

Returning to the 10th Corps, the 115th took part in the initial assault on Petersburg, the mine explosion, and the engagements at Deep Bottom, Fort Harrison, and Fort Gilmer. In October 1864, the regiment suffered losses from friendly fire by the 9th Maine during the advance on Richmond by the Darbytown Road. When the 10th Corps was discontinued in December 1864, the 115th was transferred to the 24th Corps, Ames’ (2nd) Division, and ordered to North Carolina. The regiment participated in the capture of Fort Fisher, with further service at Cape Fear, Fort Anderson, and Wilmington, and concluded its active service in the Carolinas campaign. The 115th New York Infantry was mustered out at Raleigh, North Carolina, on June 17, 1865, under Colonel Nathan J. Johnson.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Surrender at Harper’s Ferry (September 1862)
• Duty at Hilton Head and Beaufort, South Carolina (1863)
• Battle of Olustee, Florida (February 1864)
• Campaign against Richmond, Virginia (May 1864)
• Port Walthall Junction
• Chester Station
• Ware Bottom Church
• Drewry’s Bluff
• Bermuda Hundred
• Battle of Cold Harbor
• First assault on Petersburg
• Mine Explosion (Petersburg)
• Deep Bottom
• Fort Harrison
• Fort Gilmer
• Advance on Richmond by Darbytown Road (October 1864)
• Capture of Fort Fisher, North Carolina (January 1865)
• Cape Fear
• Fort Anderson
• Wilmington
• Campaign of the Carolinas

Casualties

Out of a total enrollment of 1,196 men, the 115th New York Infantry lost 7 officers and 132 enlisted men killed or mortally wounded. An additional 191 men died of disease and other causes. The total number of deaths recorded for the regiment is 330.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Simeon Sammons
• Colonel Nathan J. Johnson
• Lieutenant Colonel George S. Batcheller
• Lieutenant Colonel Ezra L. Walrath
• Major Patrick H. Cowam
• Major Egbert B. Savage

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 115th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides details on each member’s service and is a valuable resource for those tracing ancestors or studying the regiment’s composition.

To view the complete roster, visit the 115th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 19, 28, 35, 36, 40, 42
• New York State Adjutant General’s Reports
• 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