98th Pennsylvania Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 98th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for Union service during the American Civil War. The regiment was primarily composed of German-American soldiers, many of whom had previously served in the 21st Pennsylvania Infantry. It was mustered into United States service between August 17 and September 26, 1861, with two additional companies joining in December 1861. The regiment served in the Eastern Theater, participating in major campaigns and battles with the Army of the Potomac and later in the Shenandoah Valley.

Organization & Service

The 98th Pennsylvania Infantry was organized at Philadelphia and mustered in for three years’ service from August 17 to September 26, 1861. Two companies joined the regiment in December 1861. The regiment departed for Washington, D.C., on September 30, 1861, and was assigned to Peck’s Brigade, Couch’s Division, at Tennallytown, Maryland, where it remained until March 1862.

In March 1862, the regiment joined the Peninsula Campaign, participating in the battles of Williamsburg and Malvern Hill. During the Battle of Fredericksburg in December 1862, the 98th was held in reserve and later took part in the “Mud March.” The regiment wintered near Falmouth, Virginia, and in the spring of 1863, as part of the VI Corps, it participated in the Chancellorsville Campaign and was engaged at Salem Church.

The regiment arrived at Gettysburg on July 2, 1863, after a forced march and was immediately ordered into action, sustaining few losses. It pursued Confederate forces southward, participated in the Mine Run Campaign, and wintered at Brandy Station, where many men reenlisted. At the end of 1863, the regiment was sent to Harper’s Ferry, and veterans received furloughs in early February 1864. The regiment reunited at Brandy Station in March 1864.

During the Overland Campaign, the 98th Pennsylvania was heavily engaged at the Wilderness, performed picket duty under fire at Spotsylvania, and was active at Cold Harbor. On June 18, 1864, it participated in the assault on Petersburg. The regiment joined the expedition to the Weldon Railroad and was sent to Washington, D.C., on July 9, 1864, to reinforce Fort Stevens. It then took part in operations in the Shenandoah Valley, including the battles of Opequon, Fisher’s Hill, and Cedar Creek. The regiment returned to Petersburg in January 1865, participated in the final assault, fought at Sailor’s Creek, and moved to join General Sherman at Danville. The 98th Pennsylvania Infantry was mustered out at Washington, D.C., on June 29, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Peninsula Campaign (including Williamsburg, Malvern Hill)
• Fredericksburg (reserve)
• “Mud March”
• Chancellorsville Campaign (including Salem Church)
• Gettysburg
• Mine Run Campaign
• Overland Campaign (Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor)
• Siege of Petersburg (including assault on June 18, 1864)
• Expedition to Weldon Railroad
• Defense of Washington (Fort Stevens)
• Shenandoah Valley Campaign (Opequon, Fisher’s Hill, Cedar Creek)
• Final Petersburg Assault
• Sailor’s Creek
• Movement to Danville, Virginia

Casualties

According to official reports, the 98th Pennsylvania Infantry suffered the following losses during its service:

• Killed or mortally wounded: 7 officers, 87 enlisted men
• Died of disease: 1 officer, 60 enlisted men
• Total deaths: 155

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel John F. Ballier
• Colonel Adolph Mehler
• Lieutenant Colonel Adolph Mehler
• Lieutenant Colonel George Wynkoop
• Lieutenant Colonel John B. Kohler
• Lieutenant Colonel Charles Reen
• Major George Wynkoop
• Major John B. Kohler
• Major John W. Beamish
• Major Bernhard Gessler

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 98th Pennsylvania 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 complete roster, visit the 98th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes
• Pennsylvania 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 1