History of Co A, 14th Michigan Volunteer Infantry

The 14th Michigan Infantry was organized at Ypsilanti, Michigan and was mustered into service on February 13, 1862 with an enrollment of 925 officers and men. The Colonel was Robert P. Sinclair. The 14th left the state on April 17, 1862 for St. Louis, Missouri to join General Grant at Pittsburg Landing. The 14th was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 14th Corps, serving in the 14th Corps during the war.

The 14th Michigan was originally recruited to become part of the Irish Brigade. There was a large element of the Fenian Brotherhood in the regiment. The Irish Rifle moniker is attributed to Dr. Edwin Batwell, also Irish.

Co. A, 14th Michigan was recruited primarily from the Saginaw, Bay and Genesse counties. The Captain of Company A was Morgan Gage from East Saginaw.

In March of 1863, Colonel Sinclair resigned and Henry Mizner was commissioned Colonel of the 14th Michigan. Mizner secured horses for his men and the 14th became a mounted Regiment.

In January of 1864 the regiment veteranized, 414 re-enlisted with the understanding and promise that they would continue their service as mounted infantry. A bitter disappointment greeted them on their return as an order had been issued to dismount them. Colonel Mizer was not able to get the order revoked.

For a more detailed Regimental History of the 14th Michigan download the pdf file.