155th PA Regiment Vols

New item for the collection, Rankin Post Number 127, Grand Army of the Republic, Boston, Pennsylvania. Interesting to me being 155th Pennsylvania adjacent/related. That area of McKeesport/Versailles/Elizabeth/Boston provided more than a few soldiers to Company I of the 155th. Including the brothers James and Samuel Rankin, their cousins William Rankin, and Samuel & Robert Culbert. James would be killed at Petersburg June 18th 1864, and Samuel would meet his fate in February 1865 at Hatcher's Run. The post is likely named for them. Looking at the Unit History, there were more than a few veterans of the 155th living in that area as of 1910, so some may have been members.
Unfortunately, like many small town GAR Post it's records are not known to fully survive, there's little bits out there.

Today marks 160 years since General Ulysses S Grant and General Robert E Lee signed and exchanged documents in the parlor of the McLean House at Appomattox Court House in Virginia that would bring the long National Nightmare of the Civil War to a close.
The 155th PA would play a well noted role in those forthcoming days to follow, having been selected to be part of the Brigade to receive the Formal Surrender on April 12th.
April 9th is also a notable day for the 155th due to the mortal wounding of the young Private William Montgomery of Pittsburgh. Having originally Enlisted in Company I on August 17th 1864, he took part in all actions from the Siege at Petersburg to Appomattox. Where on the morning of April 9, 1865, the 155th advanced towards the Mariah Wright House. At this time, William while loading his rifle was struck by a shot fired from a gun of the Richmond Howitzers, which was located at the Peers House. Fragments of the shell tore through William’s body as he fell to the ground mortally wounded. It was around this same time that word of the truce was coming down the line. His age is still a bit of debate, the Unit History "Under the Maltese Cross" (page 360) insists his age was 15, the Army Records indicate he was 18, I (as in Chris Aronhalt) am inclined to say 17 or 18 is more likely. Sadly, the young Private died of his wounds on April 29th 1865, he is buried at Poplar Grove National Cemetery (Part of Petersburg National Battlefield), div. E, section E, grave 265. He is widely considered to be the last Enlisted Man Killed in Battle in Virginia during the Civil War.
Photos: Under the Maltese Cross page 361 & Poplar Grove National Cemetery

I've posted the first 5 letters from a large private collection written by Samuel A. McMullen of Co. H, 155th Pennsylvania Infantry (in Zouave Brigade, AOP's 5th Corps). They are coming to me for transcription unsorted chronologically. I believe there are about 35 letters in total. To read Samuel's letters and follow along as I post, go to: https://sparedshared23.com/2025/02/07/1864-65-samuel-a-mcmullen-to-sarah-m-hazlett-mcmullen/

Some Little Round Top updates. The NPS did finally blast off people's initials that has built up the last few years from the couch rock. Which I(Chris Aronhalt) was surprised they didn't do during the rehabilitation, but they left the markings on the rock right behind it... They've improved the paths around the 155th's Monument so you can actually get near it with out going through waist high grass, and you can easily walk down to the shelf in front of the Monument for a nice view of the battlefield, and the bits of Old Sykes Ave are still there.

Well, at long last Little Round Top, where the the 155th fought at Gettysburg and site of their Regimental Monument is open to the public following a nearly 2 year rehabilitation by the National Park Service.

This is not a drill...Little Round Top has officially reopened!

*Note: Visitors should use South Confederate Ave. or Warren Ave. to access LRT.

SOLD

For sale, Federal infantry (blue piping) frock coat partial lined (see photo) rear pocket on tail, left chest pocket, federal eagle buttons. Great condition, size 42. $200 plus shipping at cost. Prefer local pickup, I’m very close to Gettysburg. Can deliver locally if you are coming to Remembrance weekend . Paypal or cash preferred.

Confederate Civil War Great Coat for sale. Half lined, CSA buttons, great condition! $200 plus shipping at cost. I’m real close to Gettysburg and can arrange delivery if you are coming for Remembrance weekend. Paypal or cash accepted.

Can't believe I forgot to mark the 20th Anniversary of my website for the 155th PA last week. When it started as a site on Tripod, never thought it would still be kicking 20 years later, now on Weebly, don't visit the tripod site. Happy to have played a part in keeping the memory of the 155th going strong, things have come a long way since that hot June afternoon when I stopped under that tree near the 155ths Monument on Little Round Top and thought who were these guys?

Thanks, as always, to the amazing Descendants, and Friends of the 155th I've met or talked to online. It's been a real joy, and a pleasure.

-Chris Aronhalt

155th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers 155th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry 1862-1865

Selling my Civil war Union greatcoat. Size 48/50, great condition. Prefer . Local pickup but willing to ship at cost. $200

SOLD

Work is coming along nicely near the 155th's Monument on Little Round Top in Gettysburg in this latest update from the NPS. Going to be worth the wait.

As the path from the new gathering area emerges from the trees, the 155th Pennsylvania monument can be seen near the edge of the hill. Also, a juvenile vulture checks in on the progress from atop the monument.