142nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry - Somerset, Pennsylvania - Specific Veteran Memorials on Waymarking.com

The regiment was organized in August 1862, with Robert P. Cummins as colonel, Alfred B. McCalmont as lieutenant colonel, and John Bradley as major. It was sent to Washington, D.C., where it built fortifications. After a couple of weeks, it was sent to Frederick, Maryland, where it performed garrison duties.

In October, it became part of the 2nd Brigade of the Pennsylvania Reserves. At the Battle of Fredericksburg, the regiment formed part of the force which briefly pierced the Confederate right, losing 250 out of 550 men, including Major Bradley, who was mortally wounded. After the battle, the Reserves division was sent back to Washington, and the regiment was reassigned to the 1st Brigade, Third Division, I Corps.

At the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863, the unit fought first on McPherson's Ridge and then on Seminary Ridge before being driven back to Cemetery Hill only after being outflanked by Confederate North Carolina divisions on its left and right flanks. Only 140 men had made it back to Union lines, and Colonel Cummins was mortally wounded. During the next two days, the 142nd was only lightly engaged. After the battle, the regiment became part of the 3rd Brigade, Fourth Division, V Corps.

In September 1864, Horatio N. Warren was promoted to colonel of the regiment. It fought throughout the Overland Campaign and the Siege of Petersburg, mostly against the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad. After the surrender at Appomattox Court House, the regiment participated in the Grand Review of the Armies in Washington and was mustered out on May 29, 1865.

Quote of Message:
"The 142nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, commanded by Colonel Robert Parson Cummins, former Somerset County Sheriff, enrolled 935 officers and men in 1862. Companies C, D & F were raised in Somerset County. The regiment took part in over twenty engagements from the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia, in 1862 to the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox Court House in 1865. During two and one-half years of service the 142nd P.V.I. lost 140 killed and mortally wounded, 430 wounded, 158 captured or missing and 81 died of disease, a total loss of 809.

On the afternoon of July 1, 1863 at the Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Colonel Cummins was ordered to lead his regiment in a counterattack against an overwhelming force of North Carolinians on the east slope of McPherson's Ridge. Though the colonel's horse was shot from under him, he leapt to his feet and pointing his sword to the regimental colors shouted, “Rally round the flag!” Moments later he fell mortally wounded. The 142nd P.V.I. stubbornly withdrew to the grounds of the Lutheran Seminary before retiring to Cemetery Hill south of Gettysburg where they rallied among tombstones of the town cemetery. As part of the Union First Corps, the regiment's heroic actions at Gettysburg that day impeded the momentum of overwhelming Confederate attacks until additional Union troops arrived on the field. During the three day battle of Gettysburg, the regiment lost 31 killed and mortally wounded, 110 wounded and 70 captured or missing, a total loss of 211.

This monument is presented to the county and dedicated to the memory of the 142nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry by descendants and friends. May we always remember their sacrifice for freedom."

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