Mustered into service September 1, 1862, mustered out May 29, 1865

— "The love of country guides us" —

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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