87th Regiment, Pennsylvania Infantry

Historical Sketch:
Cols., George Hay, John W. Schall, William S. Franklin, James Tearney; Lieut.-Cols., John W. Schall, James A. Stahle, Noah G. Ruhl, Samuel S. Bulford; Majs., Charles H. Buehler, James A. Stahle, Noah G. Ruhl, F. J. Thomas. The 87th, eight companies of which were recruited in York county and two in Adams, was mustered into the U. S. service at York in Sept., 1861, for a three years' term. The winter was spent on guard duty along the Northern Central railroad from the Pennsylvania state line to Baltimore and on May 26, 1862, the regiment moved to Baltimore, where it remained until June 23, when it left for Martinsburg. Shortly afterward it moved to New creek and was stationed there until late in August, when it joined an expedition to Elk Water under Gen. Kelley in pursuit of the enemy. This was followed by a march to Beverly, Franklin and Webster under Gen. Milroy in October and November. On Dec. 6, it moved to Petersburg and on the 18th to Winchester, where it went into winter quarters. In May, 1863, the regiment undertook an expedition to Webster, leaving two companies at Bunker Hill on its return. In June these two companies were attacked and obliged to fall back to Winchester. The other section of the regiment was engaged at Middletown and Winchester, after which the entire regiment withdrew to Harper's Ferry, and went into camp on Maryland heights. Early in July it moved to Tennallytown, where it joined the Army of the Potomac, being assigned to the 3d brigade, 3d division, 3d corps, with which it took part in the battles of Manassas gap, Bealeton, Kelly's ford, Brandy Station and the Mine Run campaign. The regiment spent the winter of 1863-64 in camp at Brandy Station, where 180 men reenlisted. With the 1st brigade, 3d division, 6th corps, it participated in the Wilderness campaign and the movement to Petersburg. At Cold Harbor its loss in killed and wounded was almost one-third of its strength. On July 6, it was ordered to the defense of Washington, which was threatened by Gen. Early, and met him at the Monocacy, losing more heavily than in any other battle of its service. It also participated in the engagements of the Opequan and Fisher's hill. On Sept. 23, 1864, the original members not reenlisted left the regiment and the veterans and recruits were formed into a battalion of five companies, which was closely engaged at Cedar creek. In March, 1865, the addition of five new companies perfected the regimental organization. It then participated in the final assault on Petersburg and the engagement at Sailor's creek. It was mustered out at Alexandria, Va., June 29, 1865. Roster:
The Roster of this unit contains the names of 3010 men.
Source:
The Union Army by Federal Publishing Company, 1908 - Volume 1
Bibliography:

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