THE 15TH REGIMENT OF CAVALRY
On May 29, 1863, Col. Robert M.
Richardson received authority to reorganize the 12th N.Y. Volunteer Infantry, discharged
by reason of expiration of its term of service, as a regiment of cavalry.
The regiment was organized at Syracuse for a service of three years, and the companies
were mustered in the service of the United States at Syracuse, A, B and C August 8; D, F
and G August 26; E August 15; H September 5; K October 15; at the Cavalry Depot, D, C.,
Company I November 30, 1863; and at Elmira, Companies L and M January 20, and 24, 1864,
respectively.
The companies were recruited principally: A at Syracuse and Oneida; B at Syracuse and
Oswego; C at Syracuse, Canandaigua, Geneva, Palmyra, and Potter; D at Syracuse; E and F at
Syracuse, Batavia, Lockport and Rochester; G at Syracuse, Ithaca and Caroline; H at
Syracuse, Lysander, Ithaca, and Otisco; I at Syracuse, Oswego, Lansing and Ithaca; K at
Syracuse, Ithaca, Utica and Lansing; L at Elmira, Bloomingburgh, Goshen, Cuba, Chester,
Port Jervis, Westfield, Dunkirk, Deerpark and Jamestown; and M at Elmira, Westmoreland,
Newburgh, Ellenburgh, Whitestown, Oriskany, Vernon, Kingston and Utica.
Companies A, B, C and E left the State September 2, 1863; D, F and G later in September; H
and K in October; I in November, 1863; and L and M in January, 1864; and the regiment
served at Camp Stoneman, and in 22d Corps, Department of Washington, VA., from September,
1863; in the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, Cavalry of West Virginia, from January, 1864; at
Cumberland, MD., Remount Camp, from August 25 to October, 1864, and while there was
assigned to the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac; in the
Shenandoah from October, 1864; with the Army of the Potomac from March, 1865.
On June 17, 1865, the regiment, commanded by Col. John J. Copping, was consolidated with
the 6th N.Y. Volunteer Cavalry, the consolidated force receiving the designation, 2nd
Provisional Regiment, N.Y. Volunteers Cavalry, the 15th Regiment being consolidated into
four companies, which became Companies F, G, H and K of the new organization.
During its service, the regiment lost by death, killed in action, 3 officers, 18 enlisted
men; of wounds received in action 19 enlisted men; of disease and other causes, 4
officers, 126 enlisted men; total, 7 officers, 163 enlisted men; aggregate, 170; of whom
44 enlisted men died in the hands of the enemy.
Excerpt from: New York in the War of the Rebellion 1861 to 1865
Excerpt from: New York in the War of the Rebellion 1861 to 1865
The unit was also known as:
|
Robert M. Richardson's Cavalry |
John J. Coppinger's Cavalry |
|
Augustus I. Root's Cavalry |
Nelson M. Bartram's Cavalry |
|
Henry Roessle's Cavalry |
Joseph Wood's Cavalry |
|
Michael Auer's Cavalry |
Jefferson C. Bigelow's Cavalry |
|
George M. Ellicott's Cavalry |
|
Descendants of the original 15th Cavalry
We would love to here from you as we have over the past few years heard from
many descendants of the unit. Of special note would be if you could share
any materials you have regarding the unit with us for publication here.
You may also contact me directly via email
if you feel you have something valuable to our interested visitors here.
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Submitted by Derry Dubetsky, Wappingers Falls, NY
I research the 245 members of Howland Post 48 G.A.R., Matteawan (now
Beacon), NY and was surprised to find out that only one of the boys was
from your regiment - inasmuch as Beacon is so close to your area. Here's
what I have:
JOHN GRACEY first served from 26 May 1862 to 16 Sep 1862 in the 19th
NYSM. He then enlisted on 3 Feb 1864 at Poughkeepsie to serve 3 years in
the 15th NY Cav. He was un assigned to any company and was mustered out @
Hart Island, NY on 8 May 1865.
GRACEY was born 4 Nov 1842 in Fishkill, Dutchess County, NY and after
his service lived in Glenham, Dutchess County, NY until his death on 20
Jan 1914. He was married to Emily Owlee and they had one child, Annie
(who married E. H. McCallin). GRACEY is buried in the Fishkill Rural
Cemetery, Fishkill, NY.
From: James P. Carroll
jpcarroll@aol.com
I have found much information on my G.G.Grandfather
Thomas Dulligan, 15thRegiment Co. C mustered in Canandaigua, NY. He was wounded
at the Battle of New Market, taken to hospital which was overrun by the Rebels.
Taken to Andersonville, subsequently paroled back to his unit, but I think went
home to Canandaigua. I have records of his application for a pension containing
sworn testimony to the truth of all of the above by his commanding officer. His
wounds crippled him for the rest of his life. Further info from others would be
welcome. Especially any photos of his company.
15th Medal of Honor
Recipient
The Congressional Medal of
Honor was awarded to Second-Lieutenant Peter M. Boehn, Company "K", for his
conduct at Dinwiddie Court House, Virginia, March 31, 1865. A quote from his citation
reads as follows...
"...while acting as an aide to General Custer, took a flag from the hands of
the color-bearer, rode in front of the line that was being driven back, and, under heavy
fire, rallied the men, reformed the line, and repulsed the charge..."
Tribute to
Peter Boehm Medal of Honor
Gravesites of the 15th at
Hillside Cemetery, Middletown, NY
Click on Gravestone for full size picture
Map of Engagements of the 15th Cavalry
Original Cover of the Regimental History
Col. Root's burial place in Oakwood Cemetery, Syracuse,
N.Y.
Obituary
for David L. Dunn Company L 15th Cavalry
Biography of
Silas Bigelow, 15th NYVC
1st Reunion flyer on the occasion
of the 25th Anniversary.
ID
Tag of Robert M. Sexton, CO. B, 15th NY Cavalry, Oswego NY
Submitted by Lynn Routzahn
While searching a CW camp near Halltown, WV I found his silver ID
tag. He died 8/15/1865 in Grafton WV US hospital. Looking for war record or
possible descendants who may have a tintype or photogragh. Lynn Routzahn
routzahn@peoplepc.com
Thirza Finch Diary