Independent Pennsylvania Battery B in the American Civil War

Overview

Independent Pennsylvania Battery B (Light Artillery) was organized in Pennsylvania, primarily from Franklin and Erie counties, and mustered into United States service at Pittsburgh on November 6, 1861, for a three years’ term. Serving as an independent light artillery battery, it operated in the Western Theater throughout the Civil War, attached to various commands. The battery was noted for its reliable service and received commendations from superior officers on several occasions.

This unit is distinct from other Pennsylvania independent batteries. Battery B served with distinction in major campaigns, including the battles of Stone’s River, Missionary Ridge, the Atlanta Campaign, and the battles of Franklin and Nashville. It was mustered out at Victoria, Texas, on October 12, 1865.

Organization & Service

Battery B was organized at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and mustered in on November 6, 1861, for a three-year term. The men were primarily recruited from Franklin and Erie counties. Initially, the battery was attached to the 77th Pennsylvania Infantry at Camp Nevin, Kentucky, for the first two months of service. In early 1862, it was detached and sent to Munfordville, Kentucky.

In April 1862, Battery B participated in the movement of General Don Carlos Buell’s forces to join General Ulysses S. Grant’s army, but arrived too late to take part in the Battle of Shiloh. The battery was subsequently involved in operations through northern Mississippi and Alabama. At the end of 1862, Battery B was closely engaged at the Battle of Stone’s River, where it received praise from the commanding general for its performance.

In November 1863, the battery was in action at Missionary Ridge. Early in 1864, a significant number of its members reenlisted as veteran volunteers. During the Atlanta Campaign, Battery B served under General William T. Sherman, attached to the IV Corps, and participated in the advance toward Atlanta. After the city’s fall, the battery joined General George H. Thomas’s forces in Tennessee, fighting at the battles of Franklin and Nashville in late 1864.

Following the surrender of the Confederate armies in 1865, Battery B was ordered to Texas as part of the occupation force. The battery was mustered out of service at Victoria, Texas, on October 12, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Operations in Kentucky (1861–1862)
• Movement to join Grant’s army (April 1862)
• Operations in northern Mississippi and Alabama (1862)
• Battle of Stone’s River (December 31, 1862 – January 2, 1863)
• Battle of Missionary Ridge (November 25, 1863)
• Atlanta Campaign (May–September 1864)
• Battle of Franklin (November 30, 1864)
• Battle of Nashville (December 15–16, 1864)
• Occupation duty in Texas (1865)

Casualties

Specific casualty figures for Independent Pennsylvania Battery B are not fully detailed in available primary sources. The battery sustained losses in action and by disease during its service, but exact numbers are not consistently reported in official records.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Captain Charles F. Muehler
• Captain Alanson J. Stevens
• Captain S. M. McDowell
• Captain Jacob Zeigler

Regimental Roster

The full roster of Independent Pennsylvania Battery B (Light Artillery), including officers and enlisted men, is available on the regiment’s roster page. This resource provides names, ranks, and additional service details for those who served in the battery.

To view the complete roster, visit the Independent Pennsylvania Battery B (Light Artillery) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts (Army of the Cumberland, Army of the Ohio, Army of the Tennessee)
• Pennsylvania 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, Federal Publishing Company, 1908, Vol. 1