126th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 126th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized at Geneva, New York, and mustered into United States service for three years on August 22, 1862. The regiment was primarily recruited from Ontario, Seneca, and Yates counties. Serving in the Union Army, the 126th New York participated in major campaigns and battles in the Eastern Theater, including the Army of the Potomac’s operations. The regiment is noted for its heavy losses and distinguished service at Gettysburg and Bristoe Station.

Organization & Service

The 126th New York Infantry was organized at Geneva, New York, and mustered in on August 22, 1862. The regiment left the state on August 26, 1862, and was soon engaged in its first major action during the siege of Harper’s Ferry in September 1862. The regiment suffered significant casualties at Maryland and Bolivar Heights and was surrendered with the rest of the garrison on September 15, 1862. The men were paroled and sent to camp at Chicago, Illinois, where they remained for about two months awaiting exchange.

After being exchanged in December 1862, the regiment returned to Virginia and encamped at Union Mills for the winter. In June 1863, the 126th joined the Army of the Potomac, assigned to Willard’s Brigade, 3rd Division, II Corps. The regiment marched to Gettysburg, where it played a prominent role, capturing five stands of colors and suffering heavy casualties. Following Gettysburg, the regiment participated in the Bristoe Campaign, Mine Run, and the Overland Campaign, including the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, and Cold Harbor. In late 1864, due to reduced numbers, the regiment was consolidated into a battalion of five companies (A–E).

The 126th New York continued to serve through the Petersburg Campaign, including actions at Weldon Railroad, Deep Bottom, Reams’ Station, Hatcher’s Run, and Sutherland Station. The regiment was present at the final operations leading to Lee’s surrender at Appomattox. The unit was mustered out under the command of Colonel Ira Smith Brown at Washington, D.C., on June 3, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Siege of Harper’s Ferry (Maryland and Bolivar Heights)
• Gettysburg
• Auburn Ford
• Bristoe Station
• Morton’s Ford
• Mine Run Campaign
• Wilderness
• Po River
• Spotsylvania
• North Anna
• Totopotomy
• Cold Harbor
• Petersburg (including siege and Weldon Railroad)
• Deep Bottom
• Reams’ Station
• Hatcher’s Run
• Sutherland Station
• Strawberry Plains
• Boydton Road
• Farmville
• Appomattox

Casualties

• Killed or mortally wounded: 16 officers, 138 enlisted men
• Died of disease and other causes: 1 officer, 121 enlisted men
• Total deaths: 17 officers, 259 enlisted men (including 30 who died in enemy hands)
• Total killed and wounded: 535
• At Gettysburg: 40 killed, 181 wounded, 10 missing
• At Bristoe Station: 6 killed, 33 wounded, 10 missing
• At Wilderness: 5 killed, 62 wounded, 9 missing
• At Po River and Spotsylvania: 6 killed, 37 wounded, 7 missing

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Eliakim Sherrill
• Colonel James M. Bull
• Colonel William H. Baird
• Colonel Ira Smith Brown
• Lieutenant Colonel James M. Bull
• Lieutenant Colonel William H. Baird
• Lieutenant Colonel Ira Smith Brown
• Lieutenant Colonel John B. Geddes
• Major William H. Baird
• Major Philo D. Phillips
• Major Ira Smith Brown
• Major Charles A. Richardson

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of the 126th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides names, ranks, and additional service details where available.

To view the full roster, visit the 126th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 19, 27, 29, 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,” Federal Publishing Company, 1908, Volume 2