Greetings to the Ancestry Message Board concerning the 9th Pennsylvania Reserves (AKA the 38th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry). The 9th PRVC was from western Pennsylvania, primarily Allegheny County, however, sizeable numbers of the recruits were from Beaver, Crawford, Westmoreland, Armstrong & Indiana Counties. It consisted of the following companies:

A. Pittsburgh Rifles
B. Garibaldi Guards
C. Iron City Guards
D. Government Guards
E. Chartiers Valley Guards
F. Meadville Volunteers
G. CIty Guards, Company B
H. New Brighton Rifles
I. McKeesport Union Guards
K. Allegheny Rangers

These companies were formed in April 1861 and a loose regimental organization in May 1861 with the complete organization occuring on 28 JUNE 1861. The unit entered federal service on July 27 & 28.

It fought at the following battles:

Dranesville
Meadow Bridge (companies C & G)
Mechanicsville
Gaines Mill
Charles City Crossroads
Malvern Hill (in reserve)
Second Bull Run
South Mountain
Antietam
Fredericksburg
Gettysburg
Falling Waters
Mine Run
Bristoe Station

The unit was mustered out at Pittsburgh on 11 & 12 May 1864.
Recruits not having served 3 years and veteran volunteers were initially transferred to the 12th PA Reserves as a new company K and in 30 days to Companies B & K, 190th PA. Vol. Infantry.

I am desiring to hear from descendants and relatives of members of the 9th. Perhaps we can share information.

Jim Owston
jowston@mountainstate.edu