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MILITARY HISTORY - 93 CHAPTER XIII. MILITARY HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. FROM the time of the close of the war of 1812, Erie county cannot be said to have possessed or acquired much, if any, military history until the out-break of the war of 1861-5, which event all historians are agreed in terming the " War of the Rebellion." During that war the county most certainly made a record in history, and a most glorious and enviable record it was, for, with a population in 1861 of less than twenty-five thousand souls, she sent into the various branches of the military service from seven to nine per cent. of her people, or from seventeen hundred to nineteen hundred men. But the military history of the county commenced with the time that that intrepid band of twenty men met and formed a company for defense against the murderous depredations of the Indians during the early part of the war of 1812-15. This company was known as the " Rangers," and was organized at Huron. Their conflicts-at-arms seem to have been confined substantially to the affair with the savages on Bull Island, in which the red foe was defeated and utterly put to rout by the Rangers. Of this engagement there is no well authenticated written history, but traditional history never underestimates the magnitude of any event. This subject is elsewhere fully discussed. Then, again, there was the citizen soldiery, whose greatest battles were fought and victories won on " general training" day—the day of all days in pioneer times, and second not even to the 4th of July. But it was in-the mili- 94 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. tia training school that was educated many of the most efficient soldiers of the late war, and it does occasionally seem that the government of the several Northern States must have had some premonitory warning of an impending struggle, for as early as 1850, in many of the States there was required to be enrolled the names of all men fit for military duty, and it was these and the young men of 1860 that made up the flower of the Union army. As early as the year 1832 John N. Sloan', then an enterprising merchant of Sandusky, was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the First Light Infantry Battalion, Second Brigade and Third Division. After this time, and while the people of the county were engaged in the arts of peace, they were, unconsciously, perhaps, preparing for war. Various portions of the county had their representative companies. In Sandusky many of the older people will remember the days of glory of the Bay City Guards, an organization formed in 1851, and under the command of Captain R. R. McMeans, a physician of the city ; the Sandusky Flying Artillery, A. Silva, commandant ; the Yaeger Rifle Company, L. Traub, commanding, and others, perhaps, whose greatest victories were achieved among the fair sex. But there came a time, a few years later, when these had an opportunity of exhibiting their valor upon the bloody fields of battle from the first Bull Run to the Appomattox ; from the State of Pennsylvania to the Gulf of Mexico. When, on that fateful morning of April, 1861, there appeared, in answer to Moultrie's guns, upon our political horizon the words " Civil War," the sturdy men of Ohio were at once to the fore, and from that day to the time that Lee yielded to that old hero, " Unconditional Surrender" Grant, this State was seldom behind her quota. Let us see what Ohio did during this four years of internecine strife. Upon the authority of Mr. Reid it may be stated that under Mr. Lincoln's call, on April 15, 1861, for 75,000 men, Ohio furnished 12,357 ; July 22, 1861, 84,116 ; July 2, 1862, 58,325; August 4, 1862, (nine months' men) ; June 15, 1863, 2,736 (militia); October 17, 1863, 32,837 ; March 14, 1864, 29,931; April 22, 1864, 36,254 (one. hundred days' service) ; July 18, 1864, 30,823 ; December 19, 1864, 23,275. In all Ohio furnished under these several demands for men an aggregate of 310,654 men, while her total quota amounted to 306,322 men. The fact appears that the county of Erie was represented by men in no less than thirty different regiments, although the number in each averaged considerably less than one hundred. Among these were some of the most daring fighters in the service. To the military history of Erie county there attaches an additional interest from the fact of Johnson's Island having been made a national depot for the detention of captured rebel officers. This island is not a part of Erie county, MILITARY HISTORY - 95 but Sandusky seems to have been the central and prominent point and the base of all operations on the island. From here all prisoners were placed on boats and conveyed to the island, and, furthermore, all supplies were obtained here. The establishment of a prisoner's depot on Johnson's Island was brought about through the energy and exertions of a few of the leading business men of Sandusky, who at once saw that such a station would be of great value to trade in the city, and that the officers' quarters would be in and about the town rather than on the island. The officer of the war department to whom was entrusted the duty of selecting a site for the depot was inclined to favor Detroit, and came to this city mainly in fulfillment of a duty and not that he desired to locate the place of detention here ; but the business men accorded him such a warm reception, and showed a willingness to give the enterprise such substantial aid that the agent could not well do otherwise than accept the offers made him. The guarding force for this important point was made up, in the main; of Ohio troops, prominent among which was the One Hundred and Twenty- eighth Regiment ; therefore the history of that regiment, a portion of which was from Erie county, is closely associated with the events that transpired during the occupancy of the island for the purposes stated, and will be written in connection therewith. A still greater interest and importance was given this locality during the years of the war, through the exploits of John Yates Beall, who made a fruitless attempt to rescue the prisoners on the island, which attempt will be found detailed in these pages, together with an account of the execution of that daring young officer. For the following account of the history of the Johnson's Island Prisoners' Depot, and the One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Regiment we are indebted to the work entitled "` Ohio in the War," edited by Mr. Whitelaw Reid, now of the New York Tribune. The narrative was compiled and written so soon after the close of the war that it is doubtful whether any additional facts can be stated, even at this time ; therefore we copy literally from Mr. Reid, granting him full credit for the original production. "The One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Ohio, although chiefly occupied in guard duty within the bordeis of the State, was an organization of three years' troops, enlisted and mustered into the United States service, the same as other volunteer troops, and was liable to service wherever required. It attained minimum strength on the 25th of December, 1863, and consisted of four companies, before known as the Hoffman Battalion,' raised at different times in 1862. At and before the time of forming the regiment the Hoffman Battalion was under the command of a lieutenant-colonel and major. Six new companies were mustered in at Camp Taylor, near Cleveland, between the 8th and 15th of January, 1864. The four old companies had been on duty at Johnson's Island nearly all the time since their muster-in, but had frequently 96 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. furnished detachments for service elsewhere, including a short and very active campaign in pursuit of rebel troops in West Virginia, in 1862. "The One Hundred and Twenty-eighth having been chiefly occupied at the frontier posts of Johnson's Island and Sandusky, its service necessarily involves much of the military history of these posts, and can better be understood by giving a brief synopsis of that history. " Early in 1862 Johnson's Island became a depot exclusively for rebel officers who were held as prisoners of war. " The records of the post show the strength of the prisoners in 1862 as follows : Average for April, 444; for May, 1,074 ; average for June, 1,105 ; July 31, 1,149; August 31, 1,452; exchanged September I, 1,123; average for September, 595 ; aggregate October 31, 893 ; aggregate November 30, 295 ; aggregate December 31, 209. " It should be remembered that a cartel for a general exchange of prisoners of war had long been expected, and was finally agreed upon July 22, 1862. Under that cartel and special arrangement exchanges went on until July, 1863, and a continuance was expected. This expectation, with the belief of general loyalty in the north, and the want of help in Canada, had their legitimate influence on the prisoners, and undoubtedly prevented efforts at outbreak and resistance until late in the fall of 1863. "The number of prisoners of war at the depot during 1863 will be sufficiently understood from the following : January 31, 308; February 28, 347; March 31, 105 ; April 20, 59 ; May 31, 4o ; June 30, 806; July 31, 1668 ; August 3 I , I ,817 ; September 30, 2,155 ; October 31, 2,156 ; November 30, 2,381 ; December 31, 2,623. "In the spring and summer of 1862 the garrison on the island was strengthened by one company of the Sixty-first Ohio, relieved by one company of the Eighty-eighth. The stoppage of exchanges, followed by the assembling of considerable forces from the rebel army and navy in Canada, and the machinations of disloyal organizations in Ohio, Indiana and elsewhere known to intend to rescue these prisoners with attendant devastations on the lake towns and commerce, showed these posts to be unsafe without considerable reinforcements. Six companies of the Twelfth Ohio Cavalry (dismounted), with the Twenty-fourth Battery (six guns), and two detachments of the First Ohio Heavy Artillery (with seven heavy guns) were sent to the island early in November, 1863, followed promptly by the Forty-ninth and Fiftieth Regiments of the National Guard and a Pennsylvania Battery. The Forty-ninth and Fiftieth remained only eight or ten days, and the Pennsylvania Battery was soon relieved. The other troops remained all winter. "The First Brigade, Third Division, Sixth Corps, including five regiments, attended by two brigadier-generals from the Army of the Potomac, reached Sandusky on the 13th of January, 1864. Four of-the regiments, with General MILITARY HISTORY - 97 Shaler, were stationed on the island. The other regiment, with General H. D. Terry commanding the whole, was at Sandusky. They all remained until April 14, 1864, when three regiments under General Shaler left to rejoin the Sixth Corps. The Twenty-fourth Battery was stationed in Sandusky, and the six cavalry companies left for Camp Dennison in March. Soon after, the six new companies of the Twenty-eighth, pursuant to orders from Washington, were moved to Sandusky, and on the i4th of April, 1864, with the colonel, were stationed on the island. The whole regiment was thus, for the first time, assembled as one command. "On the 8th of May, 1864, Colonel Hill, of the One Hundred and Twenty- eighth, succeeded General Terry in the command, and the two remaining regiments from the Sixth Corps moved off to rejoin that corps. On the 12th of July, 1864, the detachments from the First Heavy Artillery returned to their regiment, and on the 7th of August following the Twenty-fourth Battery left for Chicago. Other troops came to the island and departed as follows : May I I, the One Hundred and Seventy-first Ohio National Guard ; it left June 9 for Cleveland and Kentucky ; returned June 20 much reduced, eight of the companies being then paroled prisoners, not subject to duty ; they were mustered out August 20. The One Hundred and Thirtieth National Guard reported for duty May 21, and left June 6. The One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Ohio National Guard (five hundred and forty-nine men) reported for duty May 21, and left July 16. The Eighth Battery Ohio National Guard reported September 22, and left October 19, and was succeeded by the Second Battery Ohio National Guard, which left November 26. These National Guard troops were sent to the island chiefly as a place of rendezvous, equipment and instruction preparatOry to service elsewhere. On the 24th of September the Sixth Veteran Reserve Corps (five hundred and sixty -three men) from Washington, reported for duty. "The One Hundred and Twenty-eighth from the time its being first assembled on the island was kept under strict drill and discipline. " The condition of the island, and of the docks, roads and barracks upon it required heavy details of working parties to open ways of communication for defense, complete and improve the quarters, enlarge the prison grounds and accommodations, and improve the sanitary condition of the island, which had been much neglected for many months. " The strength of the One Hundred and Twenty-eighth, present for duty from early in May until late in the fall, was much reduced by detachments sent off by order of the commandants of the department, and kept away for long periods, so that on account of absent detachments and heavy details for special duty and necessary working parties, the guard-duty became very severe ; often, and for considerable periods, requiring the majority of the men remaining for that service to go on guard every other day. 98 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. "The number of prisoners of war confined on the iSland during the year 1864 ranged as follOWs, varied chiefly by new acquiSitionS and special exchangeS : January, 31, 2,603 ; February 29, 2,206 ; March 31, 2,192 ; April 30, 2,088 ; May 31, 2,134 ; June 30, 2,309 ; July 31, 2,441; August 31, 2,- 556 ; September 30, 2,663 ; October 31, 2,621 ; November 30, 2,747 ; December 31, 3,209. " From the foregoing tables it appears that the average strength of prisoners for the different years was as follows: Average for 1862, 788 ; 1863, 1,205 ; 1864, 2,480. "In 1865, until discharges on oath of allegiance or parole became more numerous, following the Surrender of Lee's army, the number of prisoners ranged considerably higher, and excepting about one hundred, they were all officers of the rebel army and navy, of all grades, from Second lieutenant to major- general. " Here were officers enough for an army and navy of eighty thousand men. They were within a short distance of the. Canada main, and still nearer to a Canada island. The prevailing sympathy in Canada was largely in favor of the rebels ; and their every facility and encouragement, short 0f direct participation in our war, was extended to the large rebel force from the rebel army and navy maintained in Canada to effect a rescue of these rebel officers. If by such efforts war should be brought on between the United States and England a great point would be gained by the rebels. No other depot of prisoners of war was on a frontier or exposed like this. During the Season of navigation it could be reached from Canada in a few hours' night run, and during the winter season men and teams could conveniently cross the lake from island to island, not over five miles of ice intervening in any place. During the season of ice the location of the depot of prisoners practically ceased to be an island. The capture of that depot or the rescue of the prisoners confined there, would not only be of immense advantage to the rebel cause and give them great éclat, but would be a deep humiliation to our government and people, and would almost certainly be attended by attacks upon our lake commerce and devastation upon our lake towns. The rebel officers confined at the island had a large range of acquaintances and friends in the loyal States. For them the rebel emissaries traveling in those states, and the secret orders known as the Knights of the Golden Circle' and Sons of Liberty,' had an especial sympathy, and were anxious to aid them by means of rescue, or with places of refuge and concealment. They had the means of knowing each other. These facts, with the difficulty about exchanges, Stimulated machinations for rescue, front and rear, and kept the prisoners constantly on the qui wive, ready for any desperate adventure until after the fall of Petersburg." It appears that there waS but a single well organized attempt to effect a rescue of the prisoners on Johnson's Island, and that attempt was made in the MILITARY HISTORY - 99 month of September, 1864, although prior to that it was well known that the Canadian side of the lake swarmed with agents of the rebel government and sympathizing residentS, SubjectS of England, who were ever willing to lend aid to the Confederate cauSe in an under-handed manner, but were not so willing to participate in open, warlike hostilities. The plan of rescue that led to the open attempt on the 19th of September was conceived by John Yates Beall. He was to conduct the operations from the Canada Side while one Cole was entrusted with the work of gaining the confidence of the officers at Sandusky, and particularly of the commanding officers of the gun-boat Michigan, that lay in the waters of Sandusky Bay in the immediate vicinity of the island. The Michigan was the only government boat then acting in the defense of the island, and with an ample crew of marines, and her eighteen guns She could repel any attack that might be made, especially when acting in conjunction with the guard force of infantry and artillery on the island and at Sandusky. The first step, therefore, in accomplishing the main undertaking was to obtain control of the boat, and this was the part of the programme assigned to Cole. He is well remembered by many of the present residents of Sandusky as an active and energetic fellow, possessing education beyond the average, a fine conversationalist, and a royal entertainer. He made a prodigal use of his money, with which commodity he appeared to be abundantly supplied. He dined and wined the officers of the Michigan and sought to ingratiate himself wholly in their favor. But in the chivalrous acts of this daring young fellow he rather overdid the matter, and Yankee cunning proved more than a match for his arts. When he thought he had the officers just about where he wanted them the picture reversed, and the officers had Cole just where they wanted him, and he fell a prisoner into their hands and custody. Cole arranged a wine party at the time that affairs were expected to culminate, and the liquor was heavily drugged, but the officers never partook of his bounty, and instead of their falling victims to his plans he himSelf fell into theirs. The plans of Beall were equally well formed but through the failure of Cole's were also futile so far as carrying out the main effort was concerned. Beall, with a few rough characters, took passage on the Steamer Philo Parsons, as that boat was making her passage between Detroit, the islands and Sandusky, and at Malden, in Canada, twenty other men also came on board having as baggage a heavy and well bound box. This was not an unusual circumstance and nothing was thought of it. After passing from the landing place at Kelley's Island the men approached the clerk of the boat, who in the absence of the captain Seems to have been in command, and with revolvers pointed at him demanded a surrender. The others at once opened the box and provided themselves with revolvers and knives sufficient for a small arsenal. Without 100 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. much resistance the steamer passed into charge of the piratical crew of boarders and was turned back toward Middle Bass Island, where a landing was made. About this time the Island Queen reached the dock at Middle Bass, but no sooner had she touched than she was boarded and captured, not, however, without a stout resistance from her commanding officer and the engineer, but both were overpowered, the latter being shot in the face. On board the Island Queen was a party of about a hundred recently discharged soldiers on their journey home, but being without arms were powerless in the face of a score or more of heavily loaded revolvers in the hands of determined, desperate men. The Queen was scuttled and sent adrift, after which the prow of the Parsons was turned toward Sandusky Bay. After cruising about for a long time, anxiously watching for the proper signal from the land party supposed to have been successfully organized by Cole, Beall wanted to make the attempt at rescue without the assistance of Cole's co-operating force, but knowing the power of the Michigan's guns, and fearful of the result, Beall's desperate crew weakened and declined to take the chances. Disheartened and discouraged, the daring leader reluctantly put about and made for the Canada side, where the steamer was abandoned and her former crew released from their temporary imprisonment. This was the only open attempt made to effect the rescue of the officers confined on Johnson's Island, and it proved a dismal failure. What the result would have been, had Cole's effort proved successful, is wholly a matter of speculation. Several prominent citizens of Sandusky were soon after arrested and charged with complicity in this attempt. They were temporarily confined on Johnson's Island but afterward released. Cole was also subsequently released. But Beall seems to have been less fortunate. He was captured near Supension Bridge, on the New York Side, and taken to New York and confined on Governor's Island. Beall was charged before a military court with the seizure of the Steamer Philo Parsons; with the Seizure of the Steamer Island Queen : with being a spy in the employ of the rebel service, and with an attempt to wreck an express train between Buffalo and Dunkirk, in New York State, for the purpose of robbery. He was tried, found guilty, and sentenced to be hanged. The day fixed for his execution was the 18th of February, 1865, but that the mother of the condemned man might have an opportunity of seeing her son once more in life, President Lincoln granted a respite for six days. Beall paid the penalty of his crimes on the 24th of February, 1865, on Governor's Island, in New York Bay. Upon the occasion of the trial of Beall, as a part of his defense, there was produced a letter from that old arch traitor, Jefferson Davis, in which he asserted that these acts, meaning Beall's exploits upon the border, were committed by his authority, and should be recognized as the acts of " lawful belligerents." Without doubt they were recognized as the acts of belligerents, but the MILITARY HISTORY - 101 lawful part failed to impress the court so favorably. Could that military court have had a chance at Davis just then he might have got a taste of " lawful belligerent " medicine that might have surprised him even if it did not seriously endanger his " health." John Yates Beall, the leader of this bold attempt at rescue, was a Virginian by birth, a native of Jefferson county. He is Said to have possessed, at the time of the breaking out of the war, a large and valuable plantation, and was a young man of large means and great promise. He organized and became captain of a company attached to one of the regiments in Thomas J. Jackson's command, the latter general being a perSon none other than the intrepid "Stonewall" Jackson, the idol of the Confederacy. Beall was engaged in Several battles prior to his conception of the idea of rescuing the rebel offrcers on John son's Island. His depredations on the Ohio frontier have been by some writers characterized as " piratical," but Such seems hardly to have been the case. He sought to effect the rescue of the prisoners and in that attempt adopted Such measures as he thought would most Surely accomplish that result, but he did not seek to, neither was he charged with any attempt at plundering any vessel, or of Stealing any money or merchandise for the purpose of gain, except the act alleged to have been committed in New York State, and that was, if true, an attempt at train robbery and not piracy. His personal motives are pretty well shown in a letter written his brother on the evening prior to the day of execution, an extract from which was as follows : " Remember me kindly to my friends ; say to them that I am not aware of committing any crime against Society. I die for my country. No thirst for blood or lucre animated me in my course. My hands are clean of blood, unless spilled in conflict, and not a cent enriched my pocket. 'Vengeance is mine, Saith the Lord, and I will repay.' Therefore do not show unkindness to the prisoners ; they are helpless." Having digressed Somewhat from the narrative of events to relate the-adventures and exploits of Captain Beall and his associates, we may now return to the general history of affairs at Johnson's Island and the regiments there on guard. "Soon after the arrival of the Sixth Veteran Reserve Corps considerable detachments were sent from it for provost and other duties elsewhere, for of those who remained, infirm as many of them were by wounds and disease, the climate and exposure proved too severe, so that all who remained for guard duty did not make good the absent detachments of the One Hundred and Twenty-eighth. The Sixth Veteran Reserve Corps left the command early in 1865. " In view of the contingencies on the frontier, and in order to hold these posts with a less force, the United States Engineer Crops, under the direction of the war department, began the construction of three forts in the fall of 1864; one on Cedar Point, at the mouth of Sandusky Bay opposite the island, and two 14 102 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. on the island. The expectation was to do this work with hired labor, but laborers were so scarce that men could not be obtained at the wages offered. At this juncture the colonel of the One Hundred and Twenty-eighth detailed parties from his regiment who did at least two-thirds of the whole work, including the mechanical part, and completed all three of the forts with their magazines and mounted the guns. This work was done in the most inclement seasons of the year, without extra pay, and at a time when the other details were very heavy. But in this instance, as in all others, officers and men applied themselves to the duties before them with an intelligence and zeal which promptly overcame difficulties and attained the desired result in a very creditable manner.
" Although the One Hundred and Twenty-eighth was often scattered by detachments, and much burdened with fatigue duty, its drill, including infantry and a considerable range of heavy artillery, was accurate and thorough, and its equipment, discipline, and constant readiness for emergencies and service wherever ordered, gave assurance that it would meet the just expectations of the government in any line of duty. Many of its officers and men had served the government during the war with credit in other organizations, from which they had been discharged on account of disability by wounds or sickness.
"In hastening the completion of the defenses at Sandusky Bay it was anticipated that the regiments would soon be relieved by troops of the Veteran Reserve Corps, and that then the One Hundred and Twenty-eighth would be sent to join Some army in the field. Measures were taken to have it ready for such an event. Fortune did not give the regiment the opportunity, as a body, to earn laurels in battle, but it performed its duty always with faithfulness and efficiency.
"Soon after the surrender of the rebel armies in the spring of 1865, the prisoners on the island were reduced by discharges on parole to about one hundred and fifty. The One Hundred and Twenty-eighth left the island on the loth of July, 1865, and was mustered out on the 17th at Camp Chase."
This is the history of Johnson's Island as a place of confinement of captured rebel officers during the war 1861-65, and almost inseparably connected with that appears the history of the One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Infantry.
It is proposed in the following pages to devote some attention to the other individual regiments, the companies for which were made up in whole or in part of Erie county men. But in furnishing company rosters the greatest difficulty has been encountered in ascertaining the names of the men who were residents of county, and there will be found instances in which no roster is given from the fact of the writer being unable to locate the men, or from the fact of the contingents having been So small that no necessity exists for giving the roster, could it even be accurately ascertained. Again the adjutant general of the state has not yet completed the work of
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making up the official roster of Ohio's volunteer soldiery; therefore, being unable to furnish a correct record, one that can be confidently relied upon, it is deemed prudent to furnish none at all. Some of the commands that were represented by men from this county are given nothing beyond a mere mention from the fact that the contingent of men from the county was so exceedingly small as not to entitle them to a space, and it is, therefore, only those parts of regiments, or companies of regiments that contained as many as would constitute a "corporal's guard" that receive extended notice.
That the reader may have something of an understanding as to the number of commands represented by Erie county volunteers during the war of 1861-5, it may be stated that companies or parts of companies of the following named regiments were composed of men from the county : The Seventh, Eighth, Sixteenth, Eighteenth, Twenty-fourth, Thirty-fourth, Forty-first, Forty-ninth, Fifty-fifth, Sixty-third, Sixty-fourth, Sixty-fifth, Sixty-sixth, Seventy-second, One Hundredth, One Hundred and First, One Hundred and Seventh, One Hundred and Twenty-third, One Hundred and Twenty-eighth, One Hundred and Forty-fifth, One Hundred and Ninety-seventh, Third Cavalry, Tenth Cavalry, First Heavy Artillery, and possibly others that cannot be definitely ascertained by reason of the very small number of men contained in them.
THE SEVENTH INFANTRY.
The Seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry was raised within a very few days after President Lincoln issued his firSt call for troops for the three months service. It required but a very short time to recruit a regiment in this section of the State, and while the sturdy young men of Northern Ohio were not anxious for war, they were, nevertheless, anxious and ready to do their duty. The ranks were quickly filled with men averaging from twenty to twenty-five years of age, strong, willing, determined and loyal young men.
To the formation of this regiment Erie county contributed one company, E. Three companies were raised at Cleveland, and one each at Oberlin, Warren, Painesville, Youngstown, Norwalk, Franklin, which with the Erie county company made a full regiment.
As a three months regiment the Seventh performed no active service on the field of battle. They were mustered in on the 30th of April, 1861, and rendezvoused at Camp Taylor, near Cleveland, until early in May, when they went by rail to Camp Dennison near Cincinnati. Upon the organization of the Seventh the officers were chosen as follows: Colonel, Erastus B. Tyler, of Ravenna; lieutenant-colonel, William R. Creighton, of Cleveland ; major, John S. Casement, of Painesville.
The first duty of the command after the election of officers was to prepare for active field service, and at this time the boys knew but little of military tactics, drill and discipline, but before they left Camp Dennison they were as well prepared for the field as any regiment of infantry at the front.
104 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY.
But the Seventh Infantry never faced the enemy as a three months regiment. When they were well versed in drill, then came Mr. Lincoln's call for three hundred thousand men for three years, and the Seventh Regiment, almost to a man, enlisted under that call, and were thus transformed from the three months to the three years service, and as such first donned the blue. They were mustered into the United States Service on the 19th of June, 1861, retaining, substantially, their former commanding officers.
After a brief leave of absence at their homes, the men reassembled at Camp Dennison, and on the 26th of June, 1861, started for the field, having been assigned to the campaign in West Virginia. None of the command will ever forget the march of June 29th, and it was this event as much as any, that gave them an idea of the hardships that were in store for them. Their destination was Weston, and the object of the march was the hope of possessing a goodly sum of gold on deposit in a bank at that place, which was designed to be used for the erection of an insane asylum. The boys got it without meeting any armed opposition.
The regiment then proceeded to Glenville to relieve the force at that point. The first serious engagement in which the Seventh participated was the battle at Cross Lanes, WeSt Virginia, on the 26th of August, 1861. Here the regiment fought independently, each company taking a position where the most effective service could be rendered ; but they were outnumbered by the enemy and slowly driven back, leaving many killed and wounded upon the battle-field. The loss to the Seventh in this engagement was one hundred and twenty killed, wounded and missing. The command became divided and scattered, one portion retiring to Gauley, while the others found the Union lineS at Charleston, several miles down the Gauley River. By reference to the roster of Company E it will be seen that more men were lost by death, wounds or capture than in any other single engagement in which that company participated.
The regiment was soon gathered again and went into camp at Gauley. The effects of the recent engagement told severely on the men and many were discharged during the early days of October. One pleasing event, however, occurred while encamped at this place, and that was the presentation to the regiment of a beautiful stand of colors by Professor Peck, of Oberlin College, in behalf of the people of the Western Reserve.
From Gauley, on the 16th of October, the regiment, proceeded to Charleston, W. Va., where it remained until the 1st of November, but soon after that date it was engaged in a movement to get in the rear of the rebel force under Floyd, but through the disobedience of orders on the part of General Benham, the attempt was fruitless, and Floyd, though hotly pursued, succeeded in making hiS escape. After this the Seventh returned, by Steamer, to Charleston, November 17, 1861. In December the regiment joined the command under General Lander and proceeded by water, rail and a march of Sixteen miles,
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and arrived in the vicinity of the rebel forces, in a new and different country, and where, on March 23, 1862, they engaged in the battle of Winchester, coming in contact with that most remarkable rebel Soldier " Stonewall " Jackson. General Lander was succeeded by General Shields. General Banks occupied Winchester upon Jackson's retirement. The tactics displayed by this noted rebel commander will, probably, never be thoroughly understood. His movements were rapid and were believed to be a retreat, but it has been argued that it was simply a subterfuge, which, had the co-operating force expected by him been successful, the field of Winchester would have been strewn with Union dead and wounded and our national capital have fallen into the hands of the rebels. But " there is many a slip " ; the movement failed of accomplishment. Winchester was fought and the Seventh took an active and honorable part, losing fourteen killed, fifty-one wounded, and Several prisoners taken. Among the losses here were Several of Company E. Following Winchester we find the Seventh regiment next engaged at Port Republic, on the 9th of June. Prior to that the men endured the hardships of a march of one hundred and thirty-two miles, from New Market to Fredericksburg, which was accomplished in nine days ; and thus Shields's force was joined to McDowell's. On the morning of May 13 the army was reviewed by President Lincoln and other government officials. Especially did the president desire to See the division that had put to flight the great Jackson, therefore Shields's command, the Seventh among them, was ordered out for inspection.
When Shields withdrew with his forces from the Shenandoah Valley, Jackson with a strong command immediately occupied it, and commenced a rapid, vigorous movement toward the nation'S capital. This movement necessitated a change of plan on the part of the Union forces, and the project to attack Richmond was for the time abandoned, and the army concentrated and sent to head off the notorious rebel leader. Jackson, becoming aware of this, and not easily entrapped, made a retreat up the valley, closely followed by Fremont's command. The third and fourth divisions of Shields's brigade had, by this time, reached a point opposite Port Republic. At five o'clock in the morning this battle commenced, the Seventh and the Fifth Ohio having the heaviest of the fight. Says Reid, " These two regiments fought splendidly and effectively. General Tyler, seeing the terrible odds against him, and the extent of the enemy's lines, determined to handle his inadequate force with extreme caution, and met the wily Stonewall with his own favorite tactics of strategy and cunning. Taking advantage of a wheat field near the enemy's center, he extended his lines from hill to river, and double-quicked the Fifth and Seventh from point to point along the line, under cover of some Standing wheat, halting at intermediate points to deliver a galling fire. This was kept up for five long hours, and, with less than three thousand muskets, the National forces repelled Jackson, with fourteen thousand veteran rebel troops."
106 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY.
In the retreat that followed this sharp fight the Seventh was directed to cover the rear as guarding force. This they did gallantly, coming off the field in line, loading as they marched and frequently sending a telling volley into the ranks of the pursuers.
In May, 1862, Colonel Tyler was promoted to the rank of brigade commander and had charge of the brigade to which the Seventh was attached. After the battle of Port Republic and lying at Little Washington, that officer was ordered to Washington, and thereafter General Geary was ordered to the command of the brigade.
After Port Republic came the engagement at Cedar Mountain, Va., 0n August 9, 1862, and the Army of Virginia, under Pope, had again to contend with the noted Jackson. The fight commenced at about three o'clock in the afternoon, and the Seventh occupied a position at the front where the battle waged the fiercest ; in fact, it was a hand to hand contest in which they were engaged, and was continued until night-fall, when they retired and bivouacked almost upon the field. Neither side could claim any substantial victory. The ranks of the Seventh were fearfully decimated, and out of three hundred of that regiment that entered the fight scarcely a single hundred escaped injury in Some form. The roster of Company E will show how that command fared.
With the approach of Lee's army the Union forces fell back toward Washington, and on the 17th of September reached Antietam. During the engagement at that place the seventh were on the field but not closely engaged, although Some slight losses were Suffered. After the battle the regiment encamped on Bolivar Heights, and here were received some two hundred recruits, but comparatively few of whom were given to Company E.
Early in December the Seventh went into winter quarters at Dumfries, but scarcely had they become settled for a season of rest and recuperation than a troop of cavalry and a few pieces of artillery, under Stuart, made their appearance. The camping forces were soon prepared to meet the attack, and drove off the rebels with considerable loss, though Suffering little themselves. So ended the campaign in Virginia for the year 1862. Five battles were participated in by the Seventh regiment, and in each their gallantry and bravery received the plaudits of the whole Union people. The campaign of 1863 opened with the engagement at Chancellorsville, in which the Seventh took an active part, and when the Union forces retired their retreat was covered by the regiment assisted by two 0thers. " Its conduct," says Reid, " in this hazardous and responsible position, and its gallant action in the battle, reflected the highest honor on not only the regiment, but the State from whence it came." In this battle the Seventh lost eighty-four men in killed and wounded. Gettysburg followed Chancellorsville, and although not actively engaged the Seventh were kept busy moving to such points as required strengthening
MILITARY HISTORY - 107
exposed sometimes to a galling fire, but generally protected by breastworks. Their loss here was but one man killed and seventeen wounded. Among the regiments sent to quell the riots in New York, occasioned by the enforcement of the draft, was the Seventh Ohio. The regiment reached Governor's Island and went into camp on the 26th of August, 1863. The draft being over, the Seventh returned to its old camp on the Rapidan, where it remained a few weeks, after which the Twelfth corps, to which it was attached, was ordered into the western country. The Twelfth and Eleventh were afterward consolidated and became the Twentieth, under command of " Fighting Joe Hooker."
On the 24th of November occurred the battle at Lookout Mountain, Tenn., and close upon that came Mission Ridge, Tenn., and Ringgold, Ga. The Seventh was in each engagement, but lost moSt heavily in the latter. During the assault Creighton said to his men : " Boys, we are ordered to take that hill ; I want to see you walk right up to it " And walk they did ; straight into the face of death. They were repulsed with fearful loss, there being but one commissioned officer of the whole regiment uninjured. Nineteen killed and Sixty-one wounded was the result of that charge. It occurred hear Ringgold, on the 27th of November, 1863. Colonel Creighton and Major Crane were both killed.
Worn with constant battle and ranks fearfully thinned, the Seventh went into camp at Bridgeport, Ala., where with a few skirmishes of no importance it remained until May, 1864, when again it waS called into active service in the campaign of that year. Its first engagement was at Rocky Face Ridge, from May 5th to the 9th, and later at Resaca, Ga., from May 13th to 16th. After Resaca had been fought and won, the Seventh pursued the fleeing rebels until near the middle of June. Then the term of enlistment of the Seventh had expired, and they returned to Cincinnati. Here the Fifth and Seventh, former constant companions in successes and reverses, the former from the south, and the latter from the north part of Ohio, parted company. The Seventh proceeded to Cleveland, where it was mustered out of service, after an experience in active service of a little more than three years. Colonel Erastus B. Tyler was promoted to brigadier general May 20, 1862 ; lieutenant-colonel William R. Creighton was promoted to colonel May 20, 1862, and killed at Ringgold, Ga., November 27, 1863 ; Lieutenant-Colonel Joel F. Asper was promoted from captain, Company H, May 20, 1862, and resigned March 2, 1863 ; Lieutenant-Colonel Orris J. Crane was promoted to major from captain Company A, May 25, 1862, to lieutenant-colonel March 2, 1863, killed at Ringgold, Ga., November 27, 1863 ; Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel McClellan was promoted from captain Company H, December 1, 1863, mustered out with regiment July 8, 1864 ; Major John S. Casement resigned May 23, 1863 ; Major Frederick A. Seymour resigned March 29, 1864.
108 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY.
Roster of Company E.
This roster repreSentS the company in the three years service. Nearly all the men were mustered into the service on June 20, 1861, and of the few recruits received at a later date no separate record is made. John W. Sprague, captain ; captured at Birch River, Va., August 8, 1861; exchanged January 5, 1862; promoted to colonel Sixty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, January 23, 1862.
Charles A. Wood, captain ; promoted from first-lieutenant Company D February 5, 1862; resigned February 20, 1863.
Arthur T. Wilcox, captain ; captured at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August 26, 1861; returned October 4, 1863 ; promoted from first-lieutenant Company E to captain Company D July 9, 1862 ; assigned to Company E March 10, 1863 ; mustered out with company July 6, 1864.
Llewellyn R. Davis, first lieutenant ; promoted from second lieutenant Company D, November 2, 1862 ; to captain company C February 19, 1864.
George C. Ketchum, first lieutenant ; captured at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August 26, 1861 ; exchanged and returned March 13, 1.863 ; promoted from first sergeant to first lieutenant March 30, 1864; mustered out with company July 6, 1864.
Ralph Lockwood, second lieutenant ; promoted to first lieutenant Company A November 25, 1861.
James P. Brisbine, Second lieutenant ; promoted from firSt Sergeant Company H December 20, 1861 ; killed in battle of Cedar Mountain, Va., August 9, 1862.
George D. Lockwood, second lieutenant ; promoted from first Sergeant Company D August 9, 1862; mustered out with company July 6, 1864.
Arvin B. Billings, first Sergeant ; appointed sergeant from private January 1, 1862; first sergeant January 1, 1863 ; wounded at battle of Cedar Mountain, Va., August 9, 1862 ; mustered out with company July 6, 1864.
Samuel C. Wheeler, first sergeant ; appointed corporal January I, 1862 ; first sergeant March 1, 1862; wounded at battle of Port Republic, Va., June 9, 1862 ; discharged March 26, 1863, by order of war department.
Henry E. Hill, sergeant ; appointed from corporal January 1, 1862; wounded at battle of Gettysburg, Pa., July 3, 1863 ; mustered out with company July 6, 1864.
William Harley, sergeant ; appointed corporal January I, 1863 ; color bearer May 3, 1863 ; sergeant April 9, 1864 ; mustered out with company July 6, 1864.
George W. Sweet, Sergeant ; captured at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., AuguSt 26, 1861 ; exchanged and returned March 13, 1863 ; appointed sergeant from private May 19, 1864; mustered 0ut with company July 6, 1864.
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Moses Martin, Sergeant; appointed sergeant from corporal January I, 1862 ; killed in battle of Cedar Mountain, Va., August 9, 1862.
Orzo J. Lowell, Sergeant ; died at Cumberland, Md., February 19, 1862.
William Merriam, Sergeant ; lost left arm at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August 26, 1861; discharged October 30, 1862, by order of war department.
Franklin W. Wilcoxson, Sergeant ; captured at battle of CroSs Lanes, Va., August 26, 1861 ; paroled May 27, 1862 ; discharged by order of war department.
William Freeman, Sergeant ; discharged at Romney, Va., June I, 1862, on surgeon's certificate of disability.
Henry Bailey, Sergeant ; appointed corporal January I, 1862 ; sergeant January 1, 1863 ; transferred to Fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, October 31, 1864, by order of war department.
William W. Meeker, corporal ; appointed corporal January 1, 1863 ; mustered out with company July 6, 1864.
William Holden, corporal ; appointed corporal July, 1863 ; mustered out with company July 6, 1864.
Jesse G. Turner, corporal ; captured at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August 26, 1861 ; paroled May 27, 1862 ; mustered out with company July 6, 1864.
John H. Woodward, corporal ; appointed corporal January I, 1862; killed at battle of Port Republic; Va., June 9, 1862.
James K. Alexander, corporal ; appointed corporal January I, 1862 ; wounded at battle of Cedar Mountain, Va., August 9, 1862 ; discharged January 7, 1863, by order of war department.
George Blanden, corporal ; wounded at battle of Winchester, Va., March 23, 1862 ; discharged January 28, 1863, by order of war department.
George W. Loring, corporal ; discharged at Washington, D. C., October 6, 1862, by order of war department.
Charles Lewis, corporal ; discharged at Charleston, W. Va., October 21, 1861, on surgeon's certificate of disability.
Frederick A. Davis, corporal; wounded at battle of Cedar Mountain, Va., August, 9, 1862 ; transferred to Invalid Corps December 12, 1863, by order of war department.
Omar Osborn, corporal ; appointed corporal January 1, 1862 ; discharged January 8, 1863, by order of the war department.
Albert 0. Smith, corporal ; appointed corporal January 1, 1862 ; wounded at battle of Cedar Mountain, Va., August 9, 1862 ; discharged November 24, 1862, on Surgeon's certificate of disability.
William M. Barber, corporal ; transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps by order of war department. William Furniss, corporal ; appointed corporal January 1, 1863 ; transferred to Invalid Corps, January 5, 1864, by order of war department.
110 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY.
Hiram Smith, musician ; discharged at Columbus, 0., October 16, 1862, by order of war department.
Privates.
Harrison L. Allen, mustered out with company July 6, 1864.
Albert Andrews, discharged at Columbus, 0., August 9, 1862, by 0rder of war department.
William H. Andress, wounded at battle of Port Republic, Va., June 9, 1862; discharged March 28, 1863, by order of war department.
George Anners, wounded at battle of Winchester, Va., March 23, 1862 ; discharged January 9, 1863, on surgeon's certificate of disability.
John Atwater, wounded at battle of Winchester, Va., March 23, 1862 ; also at battle of Port Republic, June 9, 1862 ; discharged August 28, 1862.
Ormer E. Andrews, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps February 2, 1864, by order of war department.
William F. Bartlett, captured at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August 26, 1861 ; returned March 13, 1863; wounded at battle of Lookout Mountain, Tenn., November 24, 1863 ; mustered out with company July 6, 1864.
John Bark, captured at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August 26, 1861 ; returned March 13, 1863 ; mustered out with company July 6, 1864.
Lyman Blakeslee, captured at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August 26, 1861 ; returned March 13, 1863 ; mustered out with company July 6, 1864.
Robert W. Blakeslee, captured at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August 26, 1861 ; returned March 13, 1863 ; mustered out with company July 6, 1864.
Edward Billings, mustered out with company July 6, 1864.
James M. Butler, captured at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August 26, 1861 ; died in parish prison, New Orleans, December 27, 1861.
Reuben Beers, captured at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August 26, 1861 ; paroled May 27, 1862 ; no rec0rd of muster-out found.
William Baker, discharged at Columbus, 0., September 1, 1862, by order of war department.
George W. Bartlett, discharged at Gauley Bridge, Va., October 6, 1861, on surgeon's certificate of disability.
Henry T. Benton, captured at battle of Dumfries, Va., December 27, 1862 ; returned March 13, 1863 ; wounded at battle of Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863 ; discharged March 7, 1864, by order of war department.
William L. Benton, discharged. at Williamsport, Md., June 1, 1862, on surgeon's certificate of disability.
Joseph Blake, discharged at Columbus, 0., July 5, 1862, by order of war department.
Leander Butterfield, discharged at Fort Royal, Va., June 20, 1862, 0n Surgeon's certificate of disability.
James J. Cronk, mustered out with company July 6, 1864.
MILITARY HISTORY - 111
Edson B. Cross, killed at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August 26, 1861. Isaac CollinS, enrolled October 9, 1861, but never mustered.
Hudson Call, discharged ; no record found.
William Cherry, captured at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August 26, 1861 ; paroled May 27, 1862 ; discharged November 19, 1862, by order of war department.
Thomas S. Curran, lost right leg at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August 26, 1861 ; discharged Nov. 3, 1862, by order of war department.
Joseph F. Clark, wounded at battle of Cedar Mountain, Va., AuguSt 9, 1862 ; discharged August 26, 1863, on surgeon's certificate of disability.
George K. Downing, captured at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August 26, 1861 ; returned March 13, 1863 ; mustered out with company July 6, 1864.
Elwood Dillingham, enrolled October 9, 1861, but never mustered.
Anson Douglass, no record found.
Lewis A. Darling, transferred to company B, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, October 31, 1864, by order of war department ; veteran.
David Everett, died October 6, 1862, from wounds received at the battle of Antietam, Md., September 17, 1862.
George Eiklor, died December 11, 1863, from wounds received at battle of Ringgold, Ga., November 27, 1863.
Daniel Flora, died at Alexandria, Va., June 5, 1863.
Zebah Fox, captured at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August 26, 1861 ; paroled May 27, 1862 ; transferred to Second United States Cavalry by order of war department ; veteran.
Jesse Flora, transferred to company B, Fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, October 31, 1864, by order of the war department ; veteran.
William F. Graves, absent, nurse in hospital at Clairsville, Md., February, 1862 ; mustered out July 6, 1.864, by circular No. 36, war department, May 2, 1864.
Oliver Grennell, killed in battle of Ringgold, Ga., November 27, 1863.
William Gibbs, captured at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., AuguSt 26, 1861 ; died December, 1861, while a prisoner.
Benjamin F. Gill, died August 29, 1862, from wounds received at the battle of Cedar Mountain, Va., August 9, 1862.
Wilson S. Gordon, discharged December 3, 1862, on surgeon's certificate of disability.
Henry Green, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps September 1, 1863, by order of war department.
Albin Hopkins, mustered out with company July 6, 1864.
George Howorth, no record found.
Jay Haskins, wounded at battle of Port Republic, Va., June 9, 1862 ; diScharged October 23, 1862, by order of war department.
112 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY.
William HutchinSon, wounded at battle of Cross LaneS, Va., August 26, 1861 ; discharged March __, 1863, on surgeon's certificate of disability.
John Hann, captured at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August 26, 1861; paroled May 27, 1862 ; transferred to the Fifth United States Cavalry by order of war department.
ThomaS C. Ingles, mustered out with company July 6, 1864.
Charles Jay, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps February 15, 1864, by order of war department.
James W. Kelley, mustered out with company July 6, 1864.
Henry Kizer, captured at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August 26, 1861 ; died December 28, 1861, at Tuscaloosa, Ala., while a prisoner.
Peter Kizer, died at Cumberland, Md., February 22, 1862. Joseph Kearney, transferred to company B, Fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, October 31, 1864, by order of war department.
Edward Kennedy, captured at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August 26, 1861; returned March 13, 1863 ; wounded at battle of Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863 ; transferred to Invalid Corps January 14, 1864, by order of war department.
William T. Lowry, wounded at battle of Ringgold, Ga., November 27, 1863; mustered out with company July 6, 1864.
David Lee, discharged at Fairfax, Va., August 5, 1862, on Surgeon's certificate of disability.
Nahum Mears, mustered out with company July 6, 1864.
John Melville, mustered out with company July 6, 1864.
Charles Masters, killed at battle of Cedar Mountain, Va., August 9, 1862.
Richard Mansell, discharged at Warrenton, Va., July 30, 1862, on Surgeon's certificate of disability.
John Mulleman, wounded at battle of Winchester, Va., March 23, 1862 ; discharged July 11, 1862, by order of war department.
Andrew McMillen, mustered out with company July 6, 1864.
Edward McDermott, discharged June 27, 1863, by order of war department.
Henry Neighboring, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, September 1, 1863, by order of war department.
Richard O'Brien, no record found.
Henry Pixley, wounded at battle of Ringgold, Ga., November 27, 1863 ; mustered out with company July 6, 1864.
Spafford A. Penny, killed in battle of Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863.
John Randolph, died at Weston, Va., July, 1861.
Frederick W. Roscoe, discharged at Gauley Bridge, Va., October 14, 1861, on surgeon's certificate of disability.
Albert L. Raymond, wounded at battle of Chancellorsville, Va., May 3,
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1863; transferred to Invalid Corps September 30, 1863, by order of war department.
Irving Roberts, transferred to company B, 5th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, October 31, 1864, by order of war department ; veteran.
Ephraim J. Smith, discharged April 10, 1863, on Surgeon's certificate of disability.
Zera S. Smith, absent, nurse in hospital, mustered out July 6, 1864, by circular No. 36, war department, May 2, 1864.
James Stinson, captured at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August 26, 1861 ; paroled May 12, 1862 ; never returned to company.
John Shetters, captured at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August 26, 1861 ; paroled May 27, 1862 ; discharged September 1, 1862, by order of war department.
Charles Stimson, discharged October 22, 1862, for wounds received at battle of Cedar Mountain, Va., August 9, 1862.
Francis Stilwell, captured at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August 26, 1861 ; transferred to 18th United States Infantry, by order of war department.
Henry R. Steele, transferred to recruit camp, June 11, 1864; no further record found.
James L. Vansise, diScharged October 22, 1862, for wounds received at battle of Port Republic, Va., June 9, 1862.
Brayton B. Williams, captured at battle of Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863 ; returned November 77, 1863 ; mustered out with company July 6 1864.
Thomas Warren, mustered out with company July 6, 1864.
William L. Williams, died at Gallipolis, 0., September 13, 1861. Elam Ward, discharged at Cumberland, Md., February 4, 1862.
Rufus Welch, discharged May, 1862, on Surgeon's certificate of disability. Daniel Weatherlow, discharged February 18, 1853, on Surgeon's certificate of disability.
Henry Winslow, discharged ; no record found.
Charles Webber, captured at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August 26, n561 ; paroled January, 1862; discharged April 11, 1863, by order of war department.
Americus Witmer, discharged at Baltimore, Md., February 24, 1863.
Wade Wood, discharged at Dumfries, Va., February 17, 1863, on surgeon's certificate of disability.
John W. Wickman, discharged November 20, 1862, for wounds received at battle of Cedar Mountain, Va., August 9, 1862.
Henry Wetzell, transferred to field and Staff as chief bugler, May 1, 1863, by order of Colonel Creighton.
114 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY.
THE EIGHTH INFANTRY.
The Eighth Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, like its immediate predecessor, the Seventh, was first recruited under the president's first call for seventy-five thousand troops " to put down the rebellion." But the field life and vicissitudes of the Eighth were experienced in a generally different quarter from those of the Seventh, as we find them only engaged in the Same battles at Winchester, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg.
For the Eighth Infantry the county of Erie contributed the greater portion of Company E. The whole regiment was recruited between the 16th and 22d of April, 1861, and the 29th of the Same month found the men at Camp Taylor, near Cleveland, awaiting orders to proceed to the front, but this movement was not made until July 9, following. They did, however, proceed to Camp Dennison on the 3d of May. The regimental organization was completed at Camps Taylor and Dennison, and the boys were at once put through " a course of sprouts," in order to make them aS well informed on drill and military tactics as was needed in field Service. White in camp on the 22d of July, 1861, came the president's call for five hundred thousand volunteers for three years service, and in answer to this call the whole body of the Eighth, save only Company I, enlisted for three years and was mustered into Service on the 22d, 25th and 26th of June, 1861. On the 9th of July the Eighth left for Grafton, Va., in which region were extensive operations between McClellan and the rebel army under Garnett, the former then having much the best of it.
The first few weeks of regular army life for the Eighth were occupied in guard and station duty at various points in the Allegheny Mountains and along the line of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and here they suffered severely from fever, over three hundred of the regiment being at one time in the hospital and unfit for duty.
The Eighth was first engaged at Romney, Va., on the 23d and 24th of September, and afterward on the 26th of October, in which engagements several men were killed and wounded, but the regiment proved that they had fighting qualities. These brushes ended the work of the Eighth for the year 1861, but the next year, from January to December, was almost a succession of skirmishes, attacks and battles, the most important of. which were Winchester, Front Royal, Antietam, and Fredericksburg.
Early in January the regiment took part in the assault on Blue's Gap. On February 14 they had a sharp but brief fight at Bloomey Gap, and early in March moved to the Shenandoah, and under command of General Shields, participated in the battle of Winchester against the rebel army under Stonewall Jackson ; but preceding that fight the Eighth made a good record in skirmishing at Cedar Creek and Strasburg. This qualification led the regiment to be deployed as skirmishers on the evening before, and the morning of, the battle at
MILITARY HISTORY - 115
Winchester, but toward evening of the day of the battle they were drawn into the general engagement and participated in the charge on the rebels' right flank, and by which they were thrown into confusion and utterly routed. Of the Eighth companies C, E, D, and H, were engaged in this fight, and about one-fourth of these were killed or wounded.
After Winchester was fought and won our Skirmishing regiment, with the army, followed up the valley of the Shenandoah, giving fight to the enemy at Woodstock, Mount Jackson, Edinburgh and New Market, as only an active, skirmishing command can do, This was continued during March and April and a part of May, but on the 30th of the latter named month, under General Kimball, they participated at Front Royal, and Skirmished a distance of eighteen miles. Here was captured the notorious female Spy, Belle Boyd.
From Front Royal the brigade to which the Eighth was attached moved to Harrison's Landing, having daily skirmishes on the march. Arrived at that place the regiment was placed in the second corps, in Kimball's brigade and French's division. This corps acted as rear guard to the army during the retreat across the Chickahominy, thence they proceeded to Alexandria. The Eighth acted with the supporting line at South Mountain, but not actively, but crossed the mountain and skirmished with the enemy at Boonsboro and Reedyville.
Antietam was fought on September 17, 1862. "In the advance," says Reid, "Kimball's Brigade formed the third time, Morris and Max Weber's preceding. They struck the rebel line and were driven back, when Kimball advanced at a double-quick, carrying the line handsomely, and holding it for four hours, and until firing ceased in front. During this time Sedgwick was driven back on the right, which made it necessary for the Fourteenth Indiana and the Eighth Ohio to change front, which was done most gallantly, and Saved the brigade from rout. General Sumner pronounced Kimball's the Gibralter Brigade."
After Antietam the regiment was constantly on Skirmish duty at Hulltown, Snicker's Gap, United States Ford, in the reconnaissance to Leesburg and elsewhere, and then engaged in the terrible battle at Fredericksburg, Va., December 13, 1862, where a loss of thirty-seven was sustained, after which the Eighth remained in camp during the rest of the winter, but early in May participated in the battle of Chancellorsville, where it was under constant fire for nearly four days, but lost only thirteen in killed and wounded.
In the Gettysburg campaign the regiment was as actively engaged as in any of its numerous battles. In that engagement, on the afternoon of July 2d, it was thrown forward beyond the Emmetsburg road, to drive the rebel sharpshooters from a knoll, from which they were rapidly picking off men. At double-quick the position was taken, and held during the remainder of the fight, notwithstanding the fact that three separate assaults were made against: it, once by a force three regiments Strong. Besides this the Eighth rendered
116 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY.
General Hay's division effective service. Gettysburg cost the Eighth Regiment over one hundred men in killed and wounded.
In August, after pursuing and skirmishing with Lee's retreating army the Eighth received much needed rest and quiet in a trip to New York City to assist in quelling the draft riots then raging. Returning to the field the regiment joined the army at Culpepper, and participated in the operations and engagements at Auburn and Bristow Station, both in October, and at Robinson's Cross Roads, Locust Grove and Nine Run, the latter three in November, 1863.
The operations of 1864 were no lesS active with the Eighth Ohio. They opened the last six months of army service with the battle at Morton's Ford, 0n February 6th, after which they next participated in the Wilderness fight, occupying a prominent position supporting the right. They recaptured a section of a battery that the Sixth Corps had lost. On the 6th of May they were engaged during the entire day, while on the 7th, 8th and 9th they again showed their remarkable ability for successful skirmishing. Again at Po River and Spottsylvania Court-House from the l0th to the 18th the regiment was closely engaged, and lost heavily of its few remaining though determined men.
From Spottsylvania Court-house to Petersburg the Eighth was constantly on the move, at North Anna River, Cold Harbor and elsewhere ; now at close quarters, again on the skirmish line, wherever they were ordered they went and did as they were ordered unflinchingly, and without a murmur of discontent.
At Petersburg, from June 15th to the 19th, were they on the field or in the trenches. In the latter place were they when their term of enlistment expired, June 25, 1864.
Then they returned home, receiving ovations and receptions at several places along the route. The Eighth was mustered out of service on the 13th of July, 1864.
Those of the regiment whose term did not expire in June were consolidated with the Fourth Regiment of Infantry and became the " Fourth Battalion Ohio Infantry," and were mustered out in July, 1865.
Roster Company E, Three Months Service.
H. G. De Puy, captain; James E. Gregg, first lieutenant ; John Bixby, ensign ; William D. Witherell, Zenas W. Barker, jr., Samuel M. White, jr., H. C. Jennings, George A. Scoby, D. VanKirk, Leonard Dewey Smith, S. G. Rossiter, Charles H. Reed, Charles M. Keyes, A. T. Craig, 0. H. RoSenbaum, Philander Derr, Charles G. Knight, William R. West, Benjamin E. Deely, WeSt B. JenningS, S. M. Ricker, Frederick M. Burton, S. A. Johnson, Lewis J. Lick, Henry C. Morton, John W. De Puy, Eugene D. Bell, Bryant Headly, Charles Ruggles, Leonard B. Osborn, C. M. Chapman, A. W. House, R. W. Spaulding, E. Warren, A. A. Curry, William Lisles, Roger Walsh, William Brady,
MILITARY HISTORY - 117
Byron Wheeler, George Fuller, E. B. Fuller, Robert Latham, D. D. Bogart, J. Hinckley, Obed Caswell, Isaac P. Grover, George Quick, W. K. D. Townsend, Isaac DePuy, George J. Osborne, Lane Lockwood, Edward Hadley, Henry Conner, William H. Harris, Charles Clark, Burton Eigler, William Brown, Andrew D. McKisson, N. H. Chamberlin, James P. Harris, John Bartlett, Lester V. McKisson, Sexton Duley, Jefferson Dailey, John Dailey, N. H. Hammond, Horace R. Wood, Valentine Walter; Lyman Smith, Byron W. Hoford, 0. E. Bacon, Harper Bill, William Wolverton, John House, Judson Willard, Peter Epp, Frederick Zorn, Benevil Slagal, John Donnelly, Sanford Harper, D. F. German, P. M. Cannon, W. W. Miller, R. W. Foster, G. V. Smith, F. B. Colven, C. B. Rone, Francis Pearson, Walter Caswell, William L. Banks.
Roster Field and Staff —Three Years Service.
Herman G. De Puy, colonel ; resigned November 9, 1861.
Samuel S. Carroll, colonel ; in command of brigade since May 4, 1862 ; wounded at Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864; mustered 0ut with regiment July 13, 1865.
Charles A. Park, lieutenant-colonel ; promoted to lieutenant-colonel from first lieutenant, company H, July 8,"1861 ; resigned November 4, 1862.
Franklin Sawyer, lieutenant-colonel; promoted from captain company D, to major, July 8, 1861 ; to lieutenant-colonel, November 25, 1861 ; wounded at battle of Gettysburg July 1, 1863 ; brevetted brigadier-general ; mustered 0ut with regiment July 13, 1864.
Albert H. Winslow, major ; promoted from captain, company A, November 25, 1861 ; mustered out with regiment July 13, 1864.
Roster Company E.
James E. Gregg, captain ; Served in 1863-4 as division inspector ; mustered out with company July 13, 1864.
Wells W. Miller, first lieutenant ; promoted to captain and assigned to company H March I 1, 1862.
Alfred T. Craig, first lieutenant ; promoted from Second lieutenant to first lieutenant March II, 1862 ; to captain and asSigned to company F March 4, 1863.
James K. O'Reiley, first lieutenant ; transferred from company B June 1, 1863 ; mustered out with company June 13, 1864.
James D. Wetherell, second lieutenant ; appointed first Sergeant from private August 28, 1861 ; promoted to Second lieutenant March I 1, 1862 ; first lieutenant October 17, 1862, and assigned to company A February 23, 1863.
Lester V. McKesson, Second lieutenant ; appointed sergeant from corporal August 28, 1862 ; promoted to second lieutenant March 4, 1863 ; mustered out with company July 13, 1864.
118 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY.
Zenas W. Baker, first Sergeant ; died August 28, 1861, at Oakland, Md.
Horace H. Bill, first sergeant ; appointed first sergeant from corporal 1861; sergeant-major June 25, 1861, and transferred to Field and Staff;
Romeo W. Foster, first sergeant ; appointed sergeant from corporal 1862; first sergeant June 18, 1864; mustered out with company July 13, 1864.
John W. De Puy, first sergeant; appointed first sergeant from sergeant March 11, 1862 ; Sergeant-major May 1, 1862, and transferred to Field and Staff.
Charles M. Chapman, sergeant ; appointed corporal August 28, 1861 ; sergeant May 1, 1863 ; wounded at Spottsylvania Court House, Va., May 12, 1864; mustered out with company July 13, 1864.
Major S. Davis, sergeant; appointed corporal November 20, 1861 ; sergeant April 15, 1864; mustered out with company July 13, 1864.
Henry Owens, Sergeant ; appointed corporal November 1, 1862 ; sergeant June 18, 1864 ; mustered out with company July 13, 1864.
Augustus W. Porter, sergeant ; appointed corporal September 17, 1862 ; sergeant April 15, 1863 ; killed March 6, 1864; in battle of the Wilderness.
Samuel Edwards; sergeant, appointed sergeant from private July I, 1862; died from wounds received near Petersburg, Va., June 18, 1864.
Oscar E. Bacon, sergeant ; appointed sergeant from corporal March 1864; died April I 1, 1864, in United States General Hospital, Baltimore, Md.
Augustus Fergel, Sergeant ; appointed corporal January 1, 1862; sergeant May 1, 1863 ; wounded at the battle of the Wilderness May 6, 1864 ; mustered out January 20, 1865.
Aurelius A. Curry, Sergeant ; appointed corporal June 25, 1861; sergeant May 1, 18§2 ; transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps.
Frederick Zorn, corporal ; appointed corporal April 15, 1864 ; mustered out with company July 13, 1864.
Philander Derr, corporal; appointed corporal April 15, 1864; mustered out with company July 13, 1864.
Philip Gatz, corporal ; appointed corporal May 1, 1864 ; mustered out with company July 13, 1864.
Isaac Hinkley, corporal; appointed corporal June 25, 1861 ; killed in battle of Fredericksburg, Va., December 13, 1862.
James Fernald, corporal ; discharged October 1, 1861, on surgeon's certificate of disability.
Leonard D. Smith, corporal ; discharged July 31, 1862, on surgeon's certificate of disability.
William Liles, corporal ; discharged April 1, 1863, for wounds received at Fredericksburg, Va., December 13, 1862.
Charles Simpson, corporal; appointed corporal November 20, 1861; transferred to Sixth United States Cavalry October 23, 1862, by order of war department.
MILITARY HISTORY - 119
Alanson Yeoman, corporal ; appointed corporal November 1, 1863 ; transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps July 1, 1864, by order of war department.
R. B. Cady, corporal ; died April II, 1864; buried in London Park National Cemetery. William Braby, musician ; no record.
Charles B. Roe, musician ; no record.
Privates.
James Anderson, killed May 24, 1864, in battle of North Anna River. John Allen, no record. Frederick Allen, no record. George W. Alspaugh, discharged June 30, 1862, on surgeon's certificate of disability. William Brown, no record. Jehial Bare, no record. George D. Beatty, discharged December 25, 1862, on Surgeon's certificate of disability. Samuel Beeler, discharged June 16, 1862, for wounds received at battle of Winchester, Va., March 23, 1862. Martin Beck, reduced to ranks from sergeant September 17, 1862 ; transferred to Sixth United States Cavalry October 23, 1862, by order of war department. Otto Boesch, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps by order of war department. Richard D. Brewer, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps by order of war department. William L. Bretz, reduced to ranks from corporal November 25, 1861 ; transferred to Brigade Band May 1, 1862 ; to company E June 6, 1864 ; mustered out with company July 13, 1864. Charles Clark, mustered out with company July 13, 1864. John M. Conner, died September 24, 1862, at Antietam, Md. Charles Cartwright, no record. Frank B. Carter, no record. Henry E. Conner, discharged May 1, 1862, on surgeon's certificate of disability. Samuel Cherry, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps by order of war department. George R. Derr, killed May 24, 1864, in battle of North Anna River. Sexton Dudley, discharged January 24, 1863, on Surgeon's certificate of disability. Jefferson Dailey, discharged December 10, 1862, on Surgeon's certificate of disability.
120 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY.
John Dailey, discharged January 20, 1862, on Surgeon's certificate of disability. Peter Epp, discharged January 12, 1863, for woundS received in action. George E. Flanders, discharged November I, 1862, at Camp DenniSon, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability. Stephen Giles, died March 27, 1862, from wounds received at battle of Winchester, Va.; March 23, 1862. Richard F. Gray, no record. Harmon Groff, transferred to Sixth United States Cavalry October 23, 1862, by order of, war department. Philip Grover, transferred to Sixth United States Cavalry October 23, 1862, by order of war department. William H. Harris, mustered out with company July 13, 1864. Henry H. Haines, no record found. Frederick Harrington, discharged January 20, 1862, on surgeon's certificate of disability. John H. House, discharged July 7, 1863, on Surgeon's certificate of disability. Stephen Hinkley, discharged May 3, 1862, on surgeon's certificate of disability. Patrick Hinchey, discharged June 1, 1862, by order of war department. John Howard, transferred to Sixth United States Cavalry October 23, 1862, by order of war department. William H. Haas, transferred to company A June 25, 1861. John H. Jack, appointed first Sergeant July 1, 1861 ; reduced to ranks April 6, 1863 ; discharged June 28, 1864, at Columbus, 0. Warren F. June, no record found. James Jones, no record found. Antone Knabiel, discharged January 1, 1863, on Surgeon's certificate of disability. Lorenzo Luce, transferred to Invalid Corps September 14, 1863, by order of war department. James D. Martin, died March 17, 1862, from wounds received at Winchester, Va., March 23, 1862. James Maiear, died May 12, 1862, from wounds received at battle of Winchester, Va., March 23, 1862. John C. McEnally ; no record found. John McGinness ; no record found. Adam Moose, jr. ; discharged November 18, 1862, on Surgeon's certificate of disability. Henry D. C. Mills ; discharged November 20, 1862, for wounds received at battle of Antietam, Md., September 17, 1862.
MILITARY HISTORY - 121
Martin V. Mixer ; discharged December 23, 1863, on Surgeon's certificate of disability. Charles H. Merrick ; transferred to company H July 5, 1861. Henry McDonald ; transferred to Sixth United States Cavalry October 23, 1862. T. G. Maxwell ; died March 9, 1854 ; buried at Spring Grove National Cemetery, lot No 210, Cincinnati, 0. Theodore Neile; wounded at Cold Harbor, Va. ; prisoner of war in Andersonville June 3, 1864; no record of muster-out found. Francis Pearson ; no record found. William Paul ; no record found. Thomas H. Pyle ; discharged December 3, 1863, on surgeon's certificate of disability. Henry S. Porter ; discharged December 3, 1863, for wounds received at battle of Winchester, Va., March 23, 1862. Frederick Renther ; prisoner of war from October 15, 1863, to June 10, 1864; mustered out with company July 13, 1864. Edgar J. Reed ; discharged December 2, 1862, on Surgeon's certificate of disability. Lerman Smith, wounded at battle of Winchester, Va., March 23, 1862 ; mustered out with company July 13, 1864. Joseph Stibel ; mustered out with company July 13, 1864. Gustavus V. Smith ; killed in Skirmish at Worthington, Va., September 1, 1861. Lyman Smith ; died September t 1, 1861, at Grafton, Va. John Smith ; died January 11, 1862, from accidental gun-Shot wound. Peter Shumaker ; died March 25, 1862, from wound received at battle of Winchester, March 23, 1862. Joseph T. Smith ; no record found. Merrill Starr ; discharged January 27, 1863, on surgeon's certificate of disability. Hugo C. Springer ; discharged December 2, 1862, on Surgeon's certificate of disability. Frank L. Saeffing ; discharged April 8,. 1863, on surgeon's certificate of disability. Henry C. Schenk ; discharged August 15, 1862, on Surgeon's certificate of disability. Franklin Trube ; killed in battle of Antietam, Md., September 17, 1862. Albert J. Vining ; transferred to Sixth United States Cavalry October 23, 1862, by order of war department. Roger L. Walsh ; wounded in battles of Winchester and the Wilderness; leg amputated ; mustered out with company July 13, 1864.
122 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY.
Horace R. Wood ; mustered out with company July 13, 1864. James M. Webber ; wounded at battle of Petersburg, Va., June 19, 1864 ; mustered out with company July 13, 1864. Valentine Walter ; died June 18, 1864, from wounds received at battle of Wilderness, Va., May 10, 1864; buried in Arlington, Va., National Cemetery. Charles F. Warner ; no record found. Fayette Walcott; discharged March 5, 1863, for wounds received in action. William Wilson ; discharged November 4, 1862, on surgeon's certificate of disability. Ebenezer E. Warren ; transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps September 30, 1863, by order of war department. Christian W. Weidel; transferred to Sixth United States Cavalry October 23, 1863, by order of war department. Jacob Weidman ; transferred to company A June 25, 1861. Isaac Wilson ; transferred to commandant at Camp Cleveland, 0., July 13, 1864.
THE TWENTY-FOURTH INFANTRY.
The Twenty-fourth Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry was organized at Camps Chase and Jackson during the latter part of May and the early part of June, 1861. To its formation no less than eleven counties made a contribution of men, young men, most of them, Strong and active. The county of Erie sent into thiS command a large contingent of company E. The greater portion of this company was enlisted in June, 1861, but recruits were received during 1863 and 1864.
Although the regiment entered the Service in June, it was not until about the middle of September, following, that it engaged in its firSt battle. During the latter part of July the Twenty-fourth left camp for Cheat Mountain, Va., where they encamped and prepared for guard duty. The enemy were within a short marching distance, and picket firing and skirmishing were not infrequent. On the morning of September 12 the regiment was surrounded by the rebel forces and barely escaped capture. Lack of proper vigilance was the cause of this disaster. But the boys soon rallied and formed a line of battle and made a stout and successful resistance, but not without some loss in killed and wounded. The roster will disclose the fact that as many of company C were killed or wounded at Cheat Mountain as in any other place, excepting possibly Chickamauga, Ga.
The Twenty-fourth was next engaged at Greenbrier, Va., on the 3d of October, where they were exposed to a heavy fire, but for all of that their loss was inconsiderable, two being killed and three wounded. This ended the fighting for 1861. The regiment proceeded to Louisville, Ky., arriving there on the 28th of November. While here the Twenty-fourth was attached to the Fourth Division of the Tenth Brigade of the Army of the Ohio.
MILITARY HISTORY - 123
Late in February, 1862, the command reached Nashville, Tenn., where it remained some weeks, and then proceeded to Savannah, reaching that place on. April 5, much worn and fatigued by marching over heavy roadS, and wading through streams and marshes.
The regiment next participated in the battle of Pittsburg Landing, losing over thirty in killed and wounded, and afterward skirmished with the enemy on the march toward Corinth, which latter place the Twenty-fourth was one of the first regiments to occupy. In October the regiment was assigned to the Fourth Division of the Twenty-first Army Corps. At Perryville, on the 8th,. it waS present on the field but not actively engaged.
In December General Rosecrans moved toward Nashville. The Twenty- fourth was in an exceedingly unfortunate condition. Company A was on detached duty, and the balance of the command numbered less than three hundred and fifty serviceable men, sickness, discharges for disability, transfers,. losses, and desertions having reduced the regiment to that number. However, with that Strength the Twenty-fourth went into the battle of Stone River,. Tenn., on the last day of the year 1862. It was given an important position in this battle, and held firmly, doing excellent service, but losing heavily, there being nearly ninety lost in killed and wounded, or about one-fourth its entire strength. Next came Woodbury, on the 24th of January, with but slight loss. No further important battle was participated in by the regiment until the Chickamauga engagement in which it also lost a number of officers and men. After this was over Colonel Higgins and Major McClure were "permitted" to resign from the Service. At Lookout Mountain, November 24, 1863, at Mission Ridge, November 25, and at Taylor'S Ridge, Ga., November 27, the regiment was engaged, after which it was assigned to the Second Division of the Fourth Corps. The final battle in which it participated was at Buzzard Roost, or Rocky Face Ridge, on February 25-27, 1864, and in April following was sent to Chattanooga to await orders for muster-out. In June it proceeded to Columbus, and was, excepting Company D. mustered out by companies, at different dates, from June 17 to 24, by reason of expiration of term of service. Company C was mustered out on June 22, by J. M. Eyster, captain Eighteenth Infantry United States Army.
Roster Field and Staff
Jacob Ammen, colonel, promoted to brigadier-general United States Volunteers, July 16, 1862.
Frederick C. Jones, colonel; promoted to colonel May 14, 1862 ; killed December 31, 1862, at battle of Stone River, Tennessee.
David J. Higgins, colonel ; promoted from captain company C January 1, 1863 ; resigned October 23, 1863.
124 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY.
Samuel A. Gilbert, lieutenant-colonel ; promoted to colonel Forty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry October 18, 1861.
Lucien C. Buttles, lieutenant-colonel ; promoted from major October 14, 1861; resigned November 28, 1861.
Albert S. Hall, lieutenant-colonel ; promoted to major from captain company F December 20, 1861 ; lieutenant-colonel May 14, 1862 ; colonel One Hundred and Fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry August 11, 1862.
Armstead T. M. Cockrill, lieutenant-colonel ; promoted from captain company D December 31, 1862 ; to colonel October 23, 1863, but not mustered ; mustered out June 24, 1864.
Shelton Sturgess, major ; promoted from captain company B October 14, 1861 ; resigned November 28, 1861.
Henry Terry, major ; promoted from captain company G May 14, 1862 ; to lieutenant-colonel August 11, 1862, but not mustered; killed December 31, 1862, in battle of Stone River, Tennessee.
Thomas M. McClure, major ; promoted from captain company K December 31, 1862 ; resigned.
William B. Sturgess, major ; promoted from captain company A October .3, 1863 ; mustered out with regiment June 24, 1864.
Roster Company C.
Mustered into Service June 1, 1861, at Camp Johnson, Ohio, by John C. Robinson, captain Fifth Infantry, United States Army; mustered out June 22, 1864, at Columbus, 0.
David J. Higgins, captain ; promoted to colonel January 1, 1863.
De Witt C: Wadsworth, captain; promoted to first lieutenant from second lieutenant December 20, 1861 ; transferred to company I ; promoted to captain December 31, 1862 ; died September 21, 1863, of wounds received September 20, 1863, at the battle of Chickamauga, Georgia.
William C. Beck, captain ; appointed first Sergeant from sergeant October 4, 1861 ; promoted to Second lieutenant June 6, 1862 ; first lieutenant December 31, 1862 ; captain April 21, 1864; mustered out with company June 22, 1864.
Enoch Weller, first lieutenant ; promoted to captain company H October 3, 1861.
John H. Elbert first lieutenant; promoted from Second lieutenant, company E, October 15, 1861 ; resigned January 6, 1862.
George W. Brown, first lieutenant ; promoted from private company A April 21, 1864; transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, 1864.
Robert B. Billingsly, first sergeant ; appointed from Sergeant June 29, 1861; died October 4, 1861, at Cheat Mountain, Va.
MILITARY HISTORY - 125
Leonard B. Osborn, first sergeant; appointed from corporal October 8, 1861 ; first Sergeant July 8, 1862; mustered out with company June 22, 1864.
Alfred Marion, sergeant ; appointed from corporal September 1, 1861; killed December 31, 1862, in battle of Stone River, August.
John R. Baker, Sergeant; reduced from first Sergeant June 29, 1861 ; died October 7, 1861, at Cheat Mountain, Va.
Lindly. M. Tullis, sergeant; appointed from corporal October 4, 1861; killed September 19, 1863, in battle of Chickamauga, Ga.
John M. Root, sergeant ; died August 24, 1861, at Cheat Mountain Va.
George L. Dix, sergeant; appointed corporal March 1, 1862 ; Sergeant. July 8, 1862; discharged October 3, 1862, to enlist in the Fourth United. States Artillery.
Israel J. Deemer, sergeant; mustered as private; appointed Sergeant April 1, 1862 ; mustered out with company June 22, 1864.
Peter W. Smith, sergeant ; appointed from muSician December 31, 1862; mustered out with company June 22, 1864.
James Quinn, Sergeant ; appointed corporal June I, 1862; sergeant December 31, 1862 ; mustered out with company June 22, 1864.
Jason R. Orton, corporal; appointed corporal August 3o, 1862; died April 18, 1863, in hospital at Quincy, Ill., from wounds received in battle of Stone River, August.
Joseph H. Wright, corporal ; discharged April 23, 1863, to accept appointment as contract surgeon.
Henry H. Arner, corporal ; appointed corporal June 1, 1862 ; discharged October 23, 1862 to enlist in Fourth United States Artillery.
Fisher A. Billingsley, corporal ; appointed corporal September 1, 1861; discharged May 18, 1862, on Surgeon's certificate of disability.
John Matt, corporal ; appointed corporal December 21, 1861.
Richard Slette, corporal ; appointed corporal September 1, 1861 ; discharged to enlist in Fourth. United States Artillery.
Henry Meyer, corporal; transferred to company F Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, 1864 ; veteran.
Lewis Rubel, corporal ; appointed corporal March 12, 1861; transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, 1864; veteran.
James F. H. Cook, corporal ; appointed corporal ; transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry January 2, 1864 ; veteran.
William English, corporal ; appointed corporal March 12, 1864 ; transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry -, 1864 ; veteran.
John H. Roberts, corporal; appointed corporal June I, 1862; wounded December 31, 1862, in battle of Stone River, August.
126 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY.
John Liddle, corporal ; appointed corporal July 8, 1862; wounded September 19, 1863, in battle of Chickamauga, Georgia.
John Whalon, corporal ; appointed corporal November 23, 1862 ; mustered out with company June 22, 1864.
John Sheppard, corporal ; appointed corporal December 31, 1862 ; mustered out with company June 22, 1864.
Irwin G. Porter, corporal ; appointed corporal November 31, 1862 ; mustered out with company June 22, 1864.
Jeremiah E. Williams, musician ; mustered out with company June 22, 1864.
Richard Larimer, wagoner; transferred from company H July 2, 1861; mustered out with company June 22, 1864.
Privates.
Ole Anderson ; killed July 25, 1861, at Camp Chase by the accidental discharge of a gun. Nelson Arnold ; transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry -, 1864 ; veteran.
John Arni ; transferred to company H July 2, 1861.
Isaac H. Ames; transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry -, 1864. Dayton Andrews ; transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry 1864.
Francis Bradley ; reduced from corporal December 31, 1861 ; died March 22, 1862, near Duck River, August.
Henry C. Beck ; mustered out with company June 22, 1864.
Simon Bernhart ; reduced from corporal September 1, 1861 ; mustered out with company June 22, 1864.
Isaac Burlingame ; mustered out with company June 22, 1864. Lewis Bernstine; mustered out with company June 22, 1864. John Brokely; died July 4, 1862, at Athens, Ala. Samuel Bradner ; no record found. Benjamin F. Burcan ; discharged January 18, 1862, on surgeon's certificate of disability. William L. Benton ; transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, -, 1864. Thomas W. Carpenter ; mustered out with company June 22, 1864. Thomas C. Campbell ; died November 16, 1861, at Cheat Mountain, Va. Charles Castle ; no record found. Jeremiah Cole, discharged October 2, 1863, on surgeon's certificate of disability. John C. Dildine, mustered out with company June 22, 1864.
MILITARY HISTORY - 127
George Dart, killed January 13, 1863, by Joseph King, at Murfreesboro, Tenn. John Donevon, wounded September 19, 1863, in battle of Chickamauga, Ga., transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, —, 1864. Samuel F. Donaldson, transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, —, 1864 ; veteran. John L. Dunbar, transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, —, 1864. Frederick Everhardt, discharged October 24. 1862, to enlist in Fourth United States Artillery. James S. Edsall, transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, —, 1864 ; veteran. John L. Ennis, transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, —, 1864. Alanson Ford, no record found. Hiram Fosnot, discharged August, 8, 1861, on Surgeon's certificate of disability. Victor W. Frederick, transferred to company H, July 2, 1861. Solomon Foster, transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, —, 1864. Joshua Foster, transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, ---, 1864. Caleb Garrett, discharged August 25, 1862, on surgeon's certificate of disability. Chambers 0. Gamble, transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, —, 1864 ; veteran. John Grose, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps August 5, 1863, by order of war department. Henry Garrett, transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, —, 1864. John H. Hibler, mustered out with company June 22, 1864. George W. Hanan, mustered out with company June 22, 1864. Gilbert H. Hewitt, record missing. John Heater, transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, —, 1864 ; veteran. Isaac Jones, died March 26, 1862, in hospital at Nashville, Tenn. Joseph King, record missing. Frederick A Ketcham, transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, --, 1864. William Luff, discharged May 8, 1863, on surgeon's certificate of disability. Henry Leonard, transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Infantry, — 1864.
128 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY.
Michael McGasky, mustered out with company June 22, 1864. Peter Miller, mustered out with company June 22, 1864. Frank L. Meyers, mustered out with company June 22, 1864. Charles McGraves, reduced from wagoner September 1, 1861 ; discharged February 16, 1862, on surgeon's certificate of disability. William Marlow, transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, 1864 ; veteran. George Neidle, appointed corporal September 1, 1861 ; reduced to ranks December 21, 1861 ; discharged May 17, 1862. Rufus L. Ney, transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, -, 1864; veteran. Benjamin F. Peterson, discharged January 18, 1862, on Surgeon's certificate of disability. William A. Roller, mustered out with company June 22, 1864. Jacob Rinehart, wounded September 19, 1863, in battle of Chickamauga, Ga. ; mustered out with company June 22, 1864. Peter Ryan, discharged April 3, 1862, on surgeon's certificate of disability. Jackson Ryan, discharged May 17, 1862, on surgeon's certificate of disability. Samuel Richy, discharged, date unknown. Henry B. Robinson, discharged August 18, 1862, on Surgeon's certificate of disability. Joshua M. Roller, transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, -, 1864. Bohart Stineley, mustered out with company June 22, 1864. George Stubenhofer, mustered out with company June 22, 1864. Charles Shurley, wounded September 19, 1863, in battle of Chickamauga, Ga. ; absent, sick in hospital at Madison, Ind. ; mustered out June 22, 1864, by order of war department. Peter J. Shuster, died October 9, 1861, at Cheat Mountain, Va. Charles Sill, discharged May 31, 1862, on surgeon's certificate of disability. David Steigle, wounded Dec. 31, 1862, in battle of Stone River, Tenn. ; transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps January 15, 1864, by order of war department. Philip Smith, transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry -, 1864. Patrick Shunnessey. transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, -,1864. Henry Traut, mustered out with company June 22, 1864. John E. Taylor, died January 7, 1863, of wounds received at battle of Stone River December 31, 1862. Sylvanus F. Tullis, records missing.
MILITARY HISTORY - 129
William Titswood, discharged |