ANALYZING DATA RELEVANT TO THE CHARACTERISTICS AND EXPERIENCES OF SELECTED UNION SOLDIERS IN THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR
Data were obtained for field and staff officers of the 114th Pennsylvania Volunteer Regiment, Pennsylvania Infantry (114th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, Field and Staff Officers, 2001). Data also were obtained for the officers and men of Company F of the 114th Regiment (114th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, Roster, 2001).
Statistical analyses of the data were performed using the SPSS statistical application program. The variables analyzed were as follows:
1. Age. This variable was the age of each officer and soldier as of the date of the individual's muster. Muster data ranged from 17 August 1861 to 15 August 1865.
2. Pre-War Occupation. This variable was the occupation of the individual at the time of muster. The occupational categories defined for this study were as follows: professional; business; white collar; skilled; semi-skilled; unskilled; and farmer.
3. Country of Origin: This variable was concerned with the place of birth of the individuals included in the data sets. The classifications were as follows: born in the USA and foreign born.
4. Military Rank. This variable was concerned with the military rank held by the individuals included in the data sets. The rank categories were as follows: field and staff officers (those officers assigned to regimental headquarters); line officers (those officers assigned to Company F); non-commissioned officers (Corporals and all ranks of Sergeant); and privates (most of whom were Privates, although the rank of one person was indicated as Musician).
5. Status at War's End. This variable was concerned with the military experiences of the individuals included in the data sets. The categories for this variable were as follows: in service or normal discharge, not wounded; in service or normal discharge, wounded; killed in action; medical dischar...