History of the Third Oneida or 97th New York Vols. Inf. Regt. Compant E.
The formation of the 97th was commenced 16th October 1861, The regiment was composed almost exclusively of men raised in the counties of Oneida and Herkimer.
Of the reg. chiefly raised in Onieda County it was the third. It therefore bore the name of the third Oneida, it was also known as the Conkling Rifles.
The 97th was mustered into the military service at Boonville on 19th February 1862, by Captain William R. Pease.
Then mustering and disbursing officers for Central New York, with headquaters in Utica on 12th day of March 1862.
The regiment left Boonville with a strength 928 Field and staff officers and men, commanded by Col. Charles Wheelock, breveted Brig. Gen. for gallentry on the Woldon railroad on 19th August 1864.
