Historical Sketch:
Cols., Matthew Schlaudecker, George A. Cobham, Jr., Thomas M. Walker ; Lieut.-Cols., George A. Cobham, Jr., Thomas M. Walker, W. J. Alexander, Frank J. Osgood; Majs., Thomas M. Walker, John A. Boyle, William A. Thomas, W. J. Alexander, Frank J. Osgood, Frederick L. Gimber. The 111th was recruited in the counties of Erie, Warren and Crawford and its organization was completed at Erie on Jan. 24, 1862, when it was mustered in for three years' service. It moved to Harrisburg and thence to Baltimore, where it remained until May, when it was sent to Harper's Ferry to join Gen. Banks. It remained in that vicinity until July and then proceeded to Cedar mountain, where it fought as part of the 2nd brigade, 2nd division, 2nd corps. At Antietam it lost over one-third of the number engaged, but was highly praised for its daring by Gen. Greene, who commanded the division, and it was presented with a stand of colors by Col. Stainrook, commanding the brigade. Two months were spent in camp on Loudoun heights, near Harper's Ferry, and with the 12th corps, to which it had been transferred, the 111th arrived at Fredericksburg too late for the battle. Winter quarters were established at Fairfax Station, the regiment leaving camp for the "Mud March" in Jan., 1863, after which it was sent to Acquia creek and assigned to the 2nd brigade, 2nd division, 12th corps. On March 3 it was selected by Gen. Hooker as one of ten regiments to receive special commendation, practically shown by increase of absences and furloughs allowed. It joined in the Chancellorsville campaign, but returned to Acquia creek landing until June 13, when it was ordered to Leesburg. It was active at Gettysburg, where it was more fortunate than many of the Pennsylvania regiments. It remained with the army until Sept. 15, when it was ordered west with the 12th corps and reached Murfreesboro, Tenn., on Oct. 6. It took part in the battle of Wauhatchie; went into camp on Raccoon mountain ; and fought in the battles of Lookout mountain and Missionary ridge in November. In December practically the whole regiment reenlisted and in the spring of 1864, returned to Bridgeport, Ala., strengthened by the addition of new recruits. It was assigned to the 3d brigade, 2nd division, 20th corps, and took part in the Atlanta campaign, being engaged at Resaca, New Hope Church, Dallas, Peachtree creek and Atlanta. On Sept. 2, with five other regiments, it was sent forward to reconnoiter and entered the city. It camped in Atlanta until about the middle of November, when it rejoined the division at Milledgeville. In March, 1865, the 109th Pa. was consolidated with it and it moved on to Washington, where it participated in the grand review and on July 19, 1865, was mustered out of the service of the Union it had served so well. The total strength of the regiment is recorded as 1,847, but 100 drafted men deserted on the journey to Tennessee; 310 recruits belonged to the 109th Pa.; 42 members failed to report, making the actual strength 1,395. Of this number 549 died during service from wounds or disease. W. T. Fox in his "Regimental Losses," names the 111th as one of the "three hundred fighting regiments."
Roster:
The Roster of this unit contains the names of 3164 men. Source:
The Union Army by Federal Publishing Company, 1908 - Volume 1 Bibliography:
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Fox, Arthur B. Pittsburgh During the American Civil War 1860–1865. Chicora, Pennsylvania: Mechling Bookbindery, 2002.
Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce. Southern Revenge: Civil War History of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Chambersburg, Pennsylvania: Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce, 1989.
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Sandou, Robert M. Deserter County: Civil War Opposition in the Pennsylvania Appalachians. Fordham University Press, 2009.
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