Private Lewis Rolfsen of Company C Survived Stone River, Chickamauga, and Pickett’s Mill Image WHi (X3) 30024, State Historical Society of Wisconsin Picture shown above has been electronically enhanced by Deep Vee Productions
Below are links to lists of primary and secondary information sources about the 15th Wisconsin and the soldiers who served in it during the American Civil War (1861-1865).
These lists contain links to the documents which are posted on this web site, and to organizations that have additional information.
The following are books and articles containing regimental histories of the 15th Wisconsin, which served in the Federal Army during the American Civil War (1861-1865). Some of these documents contain information on individual 15th soldiers. Links are shown to the documents which are posted on this web site. Note: the original regimental histories were all published in Norwegian; two have recently been published in English. If you are aware of regimental histories on the 15th, which are not listed below, please contact us at genealogy@nagcnl.org.
Ager, Waldemar, Oberst Heg og Hans Gutter [Colonel Heg and His Men]. Eau Claire: Fremad Publishing Company, 1916. In Norwegian. This 330 page book features many original photographs, letters, and diary entries. It is considered one of the best sources for information on the 15th and its soldiers. In early 2001 the Norwegian-American Historical Society, Northfield, Minnesota, published a hardcover English translation of this book, but without the photos that were in the original. Recommended.
Ager, Waldemar, “The Fifteenth Wisconsin.” The American-Scandinavian Review (Nov-Dec 1915), 324-333. Very readable, but contains little on the regiment after Chickamauga.
Blegen, Theodore C., The Civil War Letters of Colonel Hans Christian Heg. Northfield, Minnesota: 1936. A 260 page book containing a synopsis of Colonel Heg’s life and the history of the 15th up to his death at Chickamauga, Georgia. Most of the book contains his letters written home during his war service. Also includes a few photos. Very readable, with an insider’s view of the regiment.
Buslett, Ole A., Det Femtende Regiment Wisconsin Frivillige [The Fifteenth Wisconsin Volunteers]. Decorah, Iowa: 1895. In Norwegian, printed in old style script. Considered to be one of the best records of the regiment. Has several hundred photographs of its soldiers. In 1999 this book was translated into English and about 100 copies were printed, but without the photographs that are in the original. These books were distributed to libraries and historical organizations.
Dietrichson, Peter Gabriel, Femtende Wisconsin Regiments [Fifteenth Wisconsin Regiment]. Chicago, Illinois: 1884. A 27 page monograph in Norwegian printed in old style script. Not considered to very creditable or informative. No known English translation.
Enander, Johan Alfred, Borgerkrigen i De forenede stater i Nord Amerika: med en kortfattet beretning on det 15de Wis. regiments deltagelse i krigen og et protræt af oberst H.C. Hegg. La Crosse, Wisconsin: 1881. Pages 105-128 contain a history of the 15th Wisconsin, including biographies on Colonel Hans C. Heg and Lieutenant Colonel Ole C. Johnson and a portion of Johnson’s presentation on the 15th at Chickamauga given to a Beloit, Wisconsin, Veterans group in 1880. Written in Norwegian and printed in old style script.
Johnson, John A., Det Skandinaviske Regiments Historie [The Scandinavian Regiment’s History]. La Crosse, Wisconsin: 1869. Written in Norwegian. This 159 page book was published by the brother of Lieutenant Colonel Ole C. Johnson of the 15th Wisconsin. Despite the fact that it was published soon after the events it covers, it is not considered a valuable source. No known English translation.
Love, William DeLoss, Wisconsin in the War of the Rebellion. Chicago: Church and Goodman Publishers, 1866. Well respected source for information on Civil War units from Wisconsin, including the 15th. Part 2, Chapter II, covers the Battle of Chickamauga, Georgia, and the 15th’s role there.
Olson, Morgan A., Rollin Olson Civil War Letters. Morris, Minnesota: self-published, 1994. This 167 page book contains letters written home from the 15th, plus photos, drawings, and extensive explanations of what Rollin Olson wrote about. An extremely readable, insightful, and valuable source of information on the 15th from a soldier in the ranks.
Quiner, E.B., The Military History of Wisconsin: Civil and Military Patriotism of the State, in the War for the Union. Chicago, Illinois: Clarke & Company, Publishers, 1866. Chapter XXIII, pages 613-631, covers the history of the 15th Wisconsin.
Ulbestad, Martin, Nordmændene i Amerika. Minneapolis, Minnesota: History Book Company’s Forlag, 1907. In Norwegian. Pages 342-343 cover the 15th Wisconsin. No known English translation.
Unknown, “Reunion of the Fifteenth Wisconsin and the Scandinavian Veteran’s Association.” Familiens Magasin (date unknown): 8-10. Article with stories and group photographs listing names and residences of the veterans. Reunion was held September 12-13, 1917, in Madison, Wisconsin.
Ylvisaker, Erling, Eminent Pioneers: Norwegian-American Pioneer Sketches. Freeport, New York: Books for Libraries Press. A readable account with some errors. Covers the regiment up through Chickamauga, then recounts the story of Lieutenant Colonel Ole C. Johnson’s capture, imprisonment, and daring escape.
The following are original reports, records, rosters, registers, and muster rolls relating to the 15th, which served in the Federal Army during the American Civil War (1861-1865). These items are organized by publication source: the 15th, the State of Wisconsin, and the U.S. Government. Links are shown to transcribed copies of the documents which are posted on this web site. Many of these items contain information on 15th soldiers. If you are aware of official documents about the 15th, which are not listed here, please contact us at genealogy@nagcnl.org.
15th Wisconsin
ANNUAL RETURN of the Alterations and Casualties to the 15th Regiment of Wisconsin Volunteers. Annual reports, written various locations: unpublished, 1862-1865. These documents are in the collection of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin. They contains detailed information on regimental movements.
RETURN of the 15th Regiment of Wisconsin Volunteers, Army of the United States. Monthly reports written various locations: unpublished, 1862-1865. These documents are in the collection of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin. They contain information on regimental movements and assignments and absences of 15th soldiers.
Regimental Descriptive Rolls, Volume 20, 15th Infantry, Office of Adjutant General State of Wisconsin, circa 1885. This document is in the collection of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin Archives, Series 1142.
Report to the Governor on the 15th Wisconsin at the Battle of Stone River, Tennessee. Colonel Hans C. Heg. Madison, Wisconsin: “Wisconsin State Journal,” January 17, 1863. This is an after action report to Wisconsin Governor Howard Solomon, dated January 9, 1863, at Murfreesboro, Tennessee. It was not published in the Official Records. Article is entitled “The Fifteenth Wisconsin before Murfreesboro — Seven Days under Arms — Five Days Fighting — Report of Colonel Heg.”
State of Wisconsin
Annual Reports of the Adjutant General of the State of Wisconsin for the Years 1860, 1861, 1862, 1863, 1864. Madison, Wisconsin: Democrat Printing Company, 1912. Pages 562-566 cover the 15th Wisconsin from October 1, 1863, through October 1, 1864, including in storming of Mission(ary) Ridge and the 1864 Atlanta Campaign.
Records and Sketches of Military Organizations, Population, Legislation, Election, and Other Statistics Relating to Wisconsin in the Period of the Civil War. Madison, Wisconsin: Democrat Printing Company, 1914. One page history of the 15th Wisconsin.
Register of Commissions by Brevet 1864-1870. Madison, Wisconsin: unpublished. Contains names of Wisconsin soldiers, including a number from the 15th, who were awarded brevet ranks for acts of bravery. Includes descriptions of their actions.
Roster of Wisconsin Volunteers, War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865. Madison, Wisconsin: Democrat Printing Company, 1886. Rosters for the 15th Wisconsin are in Volume I, pages 804-829. These are the official rosters of the 15th and include all soldiers assigned to it. Lists their residence at time of enlistment and some details on their military service in the 15th.
Wisconsin Loses in the Civil War. Madison, Wisconsin: Democrat Printing Company, 1915. Details on the 15th Wisconsin are on pages 74-78.
U.S. Government
Official Army Register of the Volunteer Force of the United States Army for the Years 1861, ’62, ’63, ’64, ’65. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Publishing Office, 1865. Details on the 15th Wisconsin are in Part VII, page 186.
“February 28-April 8, 1862. — Operations at New Madrid, Mo., and Island No. 10, and descent upon Union City, Tenn. No. 19. — Reports of Col. Napoleon B. Buford, Twenty-seventh Illinois Infantry.” The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1880-1901. This report at Series 1, Volume 8, [S# 8] pages 115-118. Covers actions by U.S. Forces (which the 15th, commanded by Colonel Heg, was attached to) against Island No. 10 and on a raid on Confederate troops at Union City.
“November 15-20, 1862. — Reconnaissance from Edgefield Junction toward Clarksville, Tenn. No. 2. — Report of Lieut. Col. David McKee, Fifteenth Wisconsin Infantry.” The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1880-1901. This report at Series 1, Volume XX/1, [S# 29] pages 10-11. Covers actions by 31st Brigade (which the 15th, commanded by Major Johnson, was attached to) on an expedition against Confederate partisans. This document includes orders from the 14th Army Corps ordering this expedition, and Special Orders No. 22, Army of the Cumberland, Nashville, Tennessee, November 21, 1862, praising the expedition and Lieutenant Colonel McKee’s leadership.
“December 25, 1862. — Skirmish on the Wilson Creek pike, between Brent wood and Petersburg, Tenn. No. 1. — Report of Col. P. Sidney Post, Fifty-ninth Illinois Infantry, Commanding brigade.” The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1880-1901. This report at Series 1, Volume XX/1, [S# 29] pages 163-164. Covers actions by 1st Brigade (which the 15th, commanded by Colonel Heg, was temporarily attached to) of the 1st Division of the 20th Army Corps on a foraging expedition.
“December 26, 1862-January 5, 1863. — The Stone’s River or Murfreesborough, Tenn., Campaign. No. 25. — Report of Col. William P. Carlin, Thirty-Eight Illinois Infantry, Commanding Second Brigade.” The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1880-1901. This report at Series 1, Volume XX/1, [S# 29] pages 280-283. Covers actions by 2nd Brigade (which the 15th, commanded by Colonel Heg, was attached to) of the 1st Division of the 20th Army Corps at the Battle of Stone(s) River, Tennessee. After the battle Colonel Heg and the 15th were singled out for praise by Major General Rosecrans for their bravery.
“March 6-7, 1863. — Reconnaissance from Murfreesborough, including Skirmishes near Christiana and at Middleton, Tenn. No. 3. — Report of Col. Hans C. Heg, Fifteenth Wisconsin Infantry.” The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1880-1901. This report at Series 1, Volume XXIII/1, [S# 34] pages 128-139. Covers actions by 2nd Brigade (which the 15th was attached to) of the 1st Division of the 20th Army Corps. Major General Rosecrans had placed Colonel Heg in temporary command of the 2nd Brigade.
“August 16-September 22, 1863 – The Chickamauga Campaign, No. 84 – Report of Brig. Gen. Jefferson C. Davis, U.S. Army, Commanding First Division.” The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1880-1901. This report at Series 1, Volume XXX/1, pages 448-503. Covers 15th Wisconsin and Heg’s Brigade in the Battle of Chickamauga, Georgia, September 19-20, 1863. General Davis was Colonel Heg’s commanding officer at Chickamauga.
“August 16-September 22, 1863 – The Chickamauga Campaign, No. 97 – Report of Col. John A. Martin, Eight Kansas Infantry, Commanding Third Brigade.” The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1880-1901. This report at Series 1, Volume XXX/1, pages 528-531. Covers the 15th Wisconsin and Heg’s Brigade in the Battle of Chickamauga, Georgia, September 19-20, 1863. Colonel Martin commanded Heg’s Brigade on the second day of the Battle of Chickamauga, Georgia, after Colonel Heg was mortally wounded.
“September 29, 1863 – The Battle of Chickamauga, No. 99 – Report of Captain Mons Grinager, Company K, Commanding 15th Wisconsin.” The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1880-1901. This report at Series 1, Volume XXX/1. Covers the actions of the 15th Wisconsin in the Battle of Chickamauga, Georgia, September 19 and 20, 1863.
“May 1-September 8, 1864. — The Atlanta Campaign. No. 60. — Report of Lieut. Col. Ole C. Johnson, Fifteenth Wisconsin Infantry.” The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1880-1901. This report at Series 1, Volume XXXVIII/1, [S# 72] pages 416-421. Covers 15th Wisconsin in General Sherman’s successful campaign to capture Atlanta, Georgia. Includes details on the 15th’s bloody fighting at Pickett’s Mill (Dallas), Georgia, May 27, 1864.
The following books are about specific battles and campaigns the 15th was in during the American Civil War (1861-1865). Most contain references to the 15th and/or Heg’s Brigade.
Castel, Albert, Decision in the West: The Atlanta Campaign of 1864. Lawrence, Kansas: University Press of Kansas, 1992.
Cozzens, Peter, No Better Place to Die: The Battle of Stones River. Urbana and Chicago: University of Illinois Press, 1991.
Cozzens, Peter, The Shipwreck of Their Hopes: The Battles for Chattanooga. Urbana and Chicago: University of Illinois Press, 1994.
Cozzens, Peter, This Terrible Sound: The Battle of Chickamauga. Urbana and Chicago: University of Illinois Press, 1996.
Hafendorfer, Kenneth A., Perryville: Battle for Kentucky. Louisville, Kentucky: KH Press, 1991.
Marvel, William., Andersonville: The Last Depot. Chapel Hill, North Carolina: University of North Carolina Press, 1994.
McDonough, James Lee, War in Kentucky: From Shiloh to Perryville. Knoxville, Tennessee: University of Tennessee Press, 1994.
Scaife, William R., The Campaign for Atlanta. Saline, Michigan: McNaughton & Gunn, 1993.
The following provide insight into the day-to-day life of soldiers in the Federal Army during the war.
Hinman, Wilbur F., Corporal Si Klegg and His Pard. Galway, New York: York Publishing Company, 1993.
Scribner, Benjamin F., How Soldiers Were Made. Huntington, West Virginia: Blue Acorn Press, 1995.
Wiley, Bell Irvin. The Life of Billy Yank. Baton Rouge and London: Louisiana State University Press, 1995.
The following are links for those who wish to pursue additional information on the 15th Wisconsin and/or the soldiers who served in it during the American Civil War (1861-1865).
| Battlefield Parks | Relationship to 15th Wisconsin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andersonville National Historic Site | This National Park includes a restored section of the prison, a newly opened POW Museum, and a cemetery where the 13,000 Union soldiers, including some from the 15th, are buried. | |||
| Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park | This, the oldest American National Military Park, is located on the Tennessee/Georgia border. It contains the ground on which the 15th fought in this September 19-20, 1863, battle as well as monuments to Colonel Heg and the 15th. | |||
| Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site | This well preserved park is maintained by the State of Kentucky. The 15th fought outside the boundaries of the park, but it is expanding. | |||
| Pickett’s Mill State Historic Site | Pickett’s Mill is one of the best preserved Civil War battlefields in the nation. Visitors can travel roads used by Federal and Confederate troops, see earthworks constructed by these men, and walk through the same ravine where hundreds died. An authentic 1800s pioneer cabin is furnished and open for tours during certain events. | |||
| Stones River National Battlefield | The Stones River National Battlefield Park in Tennessee includes the ground on which the 15th fought in this December 30-31, 1862, battle. | |||
| History and Genealogy | Relationship to 15th Wisconsin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Archives & Records Administration | The NARA collection in Washington, DC, contains military service for all the 15th’s soldiers and pension records for some. | |||
| Norwegian-American Historical Association | The NAHA collection in Northfield, Minnesota, contains 15th regimental histories, newspaper clippings, letters, diaries, and a few photos. | |||
| Military History Institute | The USAMHI collection at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania, contains a dozen photographs of 15th soldiers and a short bibliography of 15th-related materials. | |||
| Minnesota Historical Society | The MHS in Saint Paul, Minnesota, has a number of 15th related books and other materials. | |||
| State Historical Society of Wisconsin | The SHSW collection in Madison, Wisconsin, includes 15th regimental reports and records, compiled military service information on 15th soldiers, and several hundred photographs of 15th soldiers. | |||
| Vesterheim Norwegian- American Museum | The Museum collection in Decorah, Iowa, includes the 15th’s “For Gud og Vort Land” ceremonial flag. | |||
| Norwegian American Genealogical Center and Naeseth Library | Located in Madison, Wisconsin, NAGC & NL has extensive genealogical information on Norwegian immigrants and their descendants, including some of the the 15th’s soldiers. | |||
| Wisconsin Veterans Museum | The WVM collection in Madison, Wisconsin, includes the 15th’s national and state regimental flags. | |||
The following are provided to assist persons who are reading original source materials posted on the 15th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment web site.
- Abs. = Absent.
- A.C. = Army Corps.
- Adj’t. = Adjutant of a military unit.
- Ala. = State of Alabama.
- Asst. = Assistant.
- Aug. = Month of August.
- Battery = Artillery unit.
- Cm’nd’g = Commanding
- Capt. = Military rank of Captain.
- Co. = Company of soldiers.
- Col. = Military rank of Colonel.
- Com. = Commissary.
- Corp. = Military rank of Corporal.
- Dec. = Month of December.
- Dept. = Department.
- Deserted = Leaving the Army without official approval. Illegal.
- Detach. = Detached on temporary duty away from the unit.
- Disch. = Discharged from the Army.
- Div. = A Division of soldiers.
- Dysentery = Inflammation of intestinal membrane.
- Enl. = Enlisted in the Army.
- Enlisted Men = Soldiers with the rank of Private, Corporal, or Sergeant. Soldiers who are not commissioned officers.
- Exp. = Expired, as in term of service expired.
- Feb. = Month of February.
- Ga. = State of Georgia.
- Hdqrs. = Headquarters.
- Hosp. = Hospital.
- Ia. = State of Iowa.
- Ill. = State of Illinois.
- Ind. = State of Indiana.
- Jan. = Month of January.
- Kan. = State of Kansas.
- Ky. = State of Kentucky.
- Lieut. = Military rank of Lieutenant.
- Lt. Col. = Military rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
- Mar. = Month of March.
- Md. = State of Maryland.
- Minn. = State of Minnesota.
- Miss. = State of Mississippi.
- Mo. = State of Missouri.
- M.O. = Mustered Out.
- Mus. = Mustered.
- Mustered = Officially sworn into or out of a military term of service.
- Nov. = Month of November.
- O. = State of Ohio.
- Oct. = Month of October.
- Prin. = Principal Musician
- Pris. = Prisoner of War.
- Prom. = Promoted to a higher military rank.
- Q.M. = Quarter Master.
- Recruit = A soldier who enlists in a unit after it is initially formed.
- Regt. = Regiment.
- Rejd. = Rejoined.
- Res. = Resigned from military service. Officers were permitted to resign; enlisted men were not.
- S.C. = State of South Carolina.
- Scorbutus = Scuvy.
- Sergt. = Military rank of Sergeant.
- Sept. = Month of September.
- Surg. = Surgeon. The highest ranked doctor of medicine in a unit.
- Tenn. = State of Tennessee.
- Term. exp. = Term of service in the military expired.
- Trans. = Transfered from one military unit to another.
- Va. = State of Virginia.
- Vet. = Veteran Volunteer.
- V.R.C. = Veterans Reserve Corps.
- Wis. = State of Wisconsin.
- Wnd. = Wounded in battle.