206 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.

ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-NINTH REGIMENT, OHIO VOLUNTEER
INFANTRY.

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This Regiment was organized at Camp Chase, March 5, 1865. Four of its Companies were from the Toledo Congressional District ; one from Cincinnati ; one from Dayton ; one from Georgetown ; and one from Tuscarawas County.

The field officers of the Regiment were as follows: Colonel, Henry D. Kingsbury, of Toledo ; Lieutenant-Colonel, J. McDermott Roe, of Toledo; Major, Norman Waite, of Toledo; Surgeon, Sidney C. Gordon ; Assistant Surgeons, L. S. B. Otwell and Curtis Otwell.

The Regiment left Camp Chase March 7th, for Huntsville, Alabama, arriving there on the 17th. Seven Companies were stationed at points on the Memphis & Charleston Railroad, between Stevenson and Decatur, and engaged in building stockades and guarding bridges. June 20th the Regiment was concentrated at Huntsville, performing post duty there until September 25th, when it was ordered to Nashville, and there mustered out. Thence it proceeded to Camp Chase, and was there paid and discharged October 7, 1865.

As in the case of most of the Regiments raised during the last few months of the Rebellion, the One Hundred and Eighty-Ninth was not permitted to see much of the active service common to commands earlier in the field; but it was out long enough for officers and men to manifest both their desire and their fitness for whatever of toil or danger might be involved in the defense of the Union.

BATTERY H. FIRST REGIMENT OHIO LIGHT ARTILLFRY.

In the fall of 1861, largely through the efforts and influence of Harvey Kellogg, George W. Norton and others, the young men of Adams and adjoining Townships undertook the organization of a Company for service in the Union Army. For such purpose, Mr. Norton visited Columbus, where he was authorized to raise an Artillery Company. This work was so well performed, that on the 18th September nearly a Company went into Camp Dennison, near Cincinnati, where they were re-enforced by a squad from Marietta, thus completing a Battery, which came to be Battery H, First Regiment Light Artillery, Colonel James Barnett. Recruits entering the command later, were mostly from Toledo and vicinity, so that it eventually came to be substantially a Lucas County Battery.

Leaving Camp Dennison January 20, 1862, armed with six bronze smooth-bore guns, it proceeded by River to Parkersburg, West Virginia, and thence by Baltimore & Ohio Railway, to Patterson's Creek. In a few days it joined General F. W. Lander's Division at Paw Paw Tunnel, Shenandoah Valley. The Battery opened, on the Union side, the first battle of Winchester, March 22, 1862. General James Shields, who succeeded to the command of the Division upon the death of General Lander, was wounded while on his horse, near the Battery's guns. Before leaving the field, he ordered Captain Huntington to begin firing. It was the Battery's first fight, and the men bad good reason to be proud of it, that being the first time "Stonewall " Jackson had been whipped. The Battery now marched up and down the Valley, with Banks's Corps, taking part in skirmishes at Edinburg, Reed's Hill, New Market and Mt. Jackson.

In May, Shields's Division crossed the Blue Ridge at New Market, moving rapidly to join McDowell at Falmouth. Without rest or a chance to" brush up," the Division was reviewed by President Lincoln, who said he wanted to " see the Boys who had whipped "Stonewall' Jackson." The Division was hastened back to the Valley, being at Front Royal June 1st. Marching South on the east side of the Shenandoah River, it was near the battle ground at Cross Keys June 8, 1862, but could not join Fremont, owing to high water in the River. June 9th it was in the ugly little battle of Port Republic, where the Third and Fourth Brigades of Shields's Division (all Western troops), of about 2.400 Infantry, with 18 pieces of Artillery, undertook the task of stopping Jackson's Corps of about 20,000. The Division made so gallant a stand, that Jackson bad to use about one-half' his force to dislodge it; and with such overwhelming numbers against them, General Imboden (with Jackson in the battle) in print has admitted that at one time during

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the day, Jackson was really whipped, but made another effort, winning the day and the field. Battery H was complimented by General Shields for its efficient service on the field at Port Republic, in spite of the fact that it lost three of its guns.

The Battery now went to Alexandria to refit-getting recruits, horses, and new three-inch rifled Rodman guns. It took part at the close of Second Bull Run, at Chantilly, September 1, 1862. For about a month, it helped in the disagreeable service of defending Washington.

In October, 1862, the Battery joined the Army of the Potomac at Harper's Ferry, and with that command marched to Fredericksburg; getting into a lively skirmish at Manassas Gap, about November 1st. Taking part in the battle of Fredericksburg under Burnside, December 10th, 11th,12th, 15th, it there used nearly 1,000 shells.

In January, 1863, the Battery was with advance in Burnside's "mud-march" up the Rapid Ann River, being one of the few Batteries to reach the River bank, and be placed in position to cover the crossing. In the Chancellorsville campaign it was part of the force sent below Fredericksburg to cover the crossing of the Sixth Corps; and then with the Third Corps making a forced night march to Chancellorsville Saturday afternoon, May 2d, when Jackson flanked and crushed the right of the Army. The Battery, with Tenth and Eleventh New York Batteries, was near Hazle Grove, without support ; but bravely stood by its guns in the terribly desperate situation, checking the extreme right of Jackson's advance, and holding open a road for the return of Sickles's Third Corps. For such timely service, the three Batteries were warmly, and with much feeling, thanked by General Sickles on the spot, before the smoke of battle bad cleared. With daylight Sunday morning, the Infantry went to the rear, with the two New York Batteries, leaving Battery H to hold the advance or exposed position at Hazle Grove, while the lines were being re-formed near the Chancellorsville House. It was a hot and lively place, but the Battery did not leave until ordered, and after losing three guns. When near the Chancellorsville House, General Hooker rode up to the Battery, saying " You have done splendidly. I saw you fight, and (lid not expect you could get out. You have done your share."

The Division (Whipples' of the Third Corps), to which the Battery belonged, being badly cut up at Chancellorsville, was now broken up, and H was placed in the Reserve Artillery. Staying there but a few days, it was sent up the River on picket at Banks's Ford, with Ayres's Brigade, Fifth Corps. General Ayres had just been promoted from command of a Regular Battery, and he had the frankness to compliment the Ohio boys on their discipline, drill, etc., as he did not expect as much in a Volunteer Battery. Good authority and high praise.

With Sikes's Division, Fifth Corps, as rear guard to the Army, was made the memorable and fatiguing march to Manassas Junction via Catlett's, across Bull Run battlefield, joining the Reserve Artillery at Fairfax C. H., June 17, 1863. It marched with the Reserve to Gettysburg, taking part in that battle, July 2d and 3d, in position on Cemetery Ridge, near where now stands the monument in the National Cemetery. It went into action under fire, taking the place of a crippled Battery, and staying until the fighting was over. Left Gettysburg with the Reserve Artillery July 5th, crossed the Potomac at Berlin July 18th, strolled along with the Army in Virginia heat and dust until August 8th, when it was sent to Rappahannock Station, to the First Corps; going into position on the picket line for more than a month, when it advanced with the Army to the Rapid Ann River, and was put on picket at Robinson's Ford, near to Cedar Mountain, for over two weeks, under continual fire, where it learned the full meaning of being "in reserve." In October, 1863, the Battery moved with the Army back to Centerville, and as the advance to Brandy Station.

On Ohio election-day (October 13th), the Battery was on the march ; but the boys organized an Election Board, and voted for John Brough to be Governor of Ohio. It was unanimous. The "polls were opened" at different hours, as the exigencies of the march allowed, the ballot-box being carried on the pommel of an officer's saddle. The result was, that the balloting took place in three different Counties of Virginia.

In the advance about November 4, 1863, the Battery was on duty at Kelley's Ford with the Third Corps. As a portion of the Reserve Artillery, it took part in the severe Mine Run

208 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.

campaign. It spent the Winter at Brandy Station, where it was refitted with a liberal supply of recruits. During this time, Captains Huntington and Norton left the Battery.

May 4, 1864, the Battery, in excellent trim, entered the Wilderness campaign under Grant. Captain Dorsey took command May 16th. The Reserve Artillery was then broken up, and Battery H became part of the Sixth Corps, and was with it at Spottsylvania, Phillips' Store and Jericho Mills. It was part of the troops making the rapid night march of 30 miles to get to the Pamunky River and Hanover Town. Reaching Cold Harbor, June 1st, in time to be the first Battery of the Sixth Corps in position, it opened the fight for them, and bad very hard and exposed work for 12 days, when the Army moved across the James River, June 15th, near Wind Mill Point. With Getty's Second Division, Sixth Corps, the Battery made a forced march for a night and day in the heat and sand for Petersburg. Immediately on reaching there, it was put in position on the front line, and for three days and nights bad a hot time, fighting and digging, until all were. fairly exhausted. It took part in the siege-work at Petersburg for some 10 months; was in Fort Sedgwick (otherwise known as " Fort Hell "), at the time and just to the left of where the mine was exploded July 30th. It spent some two months in that " Summer Resort," being close to the Rebel lines, and so hot a place naturally, that all agreed that it was rightly named. During the siege-work the Battery occupied Redoubts 13, 14 and 23; also, Forts Wilcox, Hayes, Keene and Connelly, taking an active part in the breaking of the lines near Fort Tracy, April 2d; and then was among the surplus Batteries sent back to City Point, while the Army made the race for Appomattox, the surrender of Lee's Army, and-the end.

In May, the Battery marched for Washington, passing through Richmond, Bowling Green, Fredericksburg, &c. Discipline was then slack,. and the boys were gay and happy, as they went marching home." June 3, 1865, they turned in guns and horses at Washington. June 4th, they took cars for Cleveland, Ohio, where they were given a dinner; and thence to Camp Taylor, where they were mustered out and paid off June 14, 1865.

The fortunate escape of the Battery, with a comparatively small list of dead and wounded, considering the exposed positions it was so often in, is a matter of surprise and gratitude. Some half dozen of the horses taken out in 1861, were turned in at the close of the War unnamed heroes" and veterans.

About 90 members of Battery H reached Toledo at 12:45 P. M. June 15th, with Captain Stephen W. Dorsey, and Lieutenants James Harris, William E. Perigo and William E, Parmelee, Jr. They were met at the Railroad Depot by the Union Silver Band and a large number of citizens, by whom they were escorted to the Dining Hall of the Island House, where a dinner had been prepared for, them. The room was ornamented with flags, banners, evergreens and flowers, including the old flag of the Battery, bearing the inscriptions, "Winchester," "Chancellorsville," "Port Republic," " Fredericksburg " and " Gettysburg." Mayor C. M. Dorr, in behalf of the people of Toledo, welcomed the heroes home, and thanked them for their long and gallant service. Rev. William W. Williams, Pastor of the First Congregational Church, by request, invoked upon the occasion the Divine blessing, when the meal was partaken of with a zest. After dinner, the Soldiers were escorted by the Band for a distance up Summit street, when they returned to the Island House, and soon departed for their respective homes. At the time, the remarkable exemption of the Battery from sickness, throughout .its service, was referred to, the same being accounted for by the almost uniformly excellent habits of its members, among whom there was very little of excess of any kind. Probably no other command was marked by greater care in that respect, the effect of which was so plainly noticed in the robust, vigorous condition of the men at the close of their long service.

The members of the Battery were given a reception and dinner June 21st, by the citizens of Adams Township and vicinity. There were present 1,200 to 1,500 persons. At 11 o'clock A M. the assembly was called to order, and Captain Norton asked to preside. Returning thanks for such compliment, he called upon a choir present to sing, when Elder Seeley offered prayer. James W. Clark, of Toledo, delivered an appropriate address, welcoming the soldiers to their homes and friends, and briefly recognizing the distinguished services of the Battery. Rev. Mr. Page, of Maumee City, addressed the assemblage on the duty of citizens. Following

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these exercises were a general interchange of social greetings between the Soldiers and citizens, and the disposal of the bountiful provision of food made for the occasion.

The following named members of Battery H were killed, as stated:

Private Jacob Jeager, Winchester, March 22, 1862.

Sergeant Edward Allen. Port Republic, June 9,1862.

Private John McGill, Port Republic, June 9, 1862.

Private Phillip Oshnaugh, Port Republic, June 9, 1862.

Private Lycurgus Bishop, died of wounds received at Chancellorsville.

Private John Jones, died of wounds received at Chancellorsville.

Private John Edmunds, died of wounds received at Gettysburg.

Private Henry Schram, Gettysburg July 2, 1863.

Private Jacob Kirsh, Gettysburg, July 2, 1863.

Corporal W. D. Perrin, Cold Harbor, June 1, 1864.

Private Luther Search, Petersburg, Jan. 18, 1865.

Private Charles M. Corser, died of wounds received at Petersburg.

Private Noah S. Lockwood, died of wounds received at Petersburg.

Following are statistics of the Battery:

Names on the roll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262

Killed and wounded in action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Died in hospital and camp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Discharged at expiration of term of enlistment. . . . . . 36

Discharged on Surgeon's certificates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Re-enlisted as veterans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Detailed for secret service at Army headquarters . . . . 3

Detailed for service in the Signal Corps . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Transferred to Veteran Reserves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Promotions from the ranks to serve in Battery . . . . . . 7

Promotions to other organizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Discharged at Cleveland, June 14, 1865 . . . . . . . . . . 128

ROSTER OF BATTERY H.

(Note: Rank if blank use above rank in the column.)

TWENTY-FIRST OHIO INDEPENDENT BATTERY.

The Twenty-First Battery was mustered into the United States service April 29, 1863. May 8th following, Captain Patterson, with four guns, was sent to West Virginia, where he took an active and arduous part in military operations in that section, when he returned to Camp Dennison. May 20th, the Battery left Cincinnati, per Gunboat Exchange, as guard to Clement L. Vallandigham of Ohio, who, under sentence of a Court Martial, approved by President Lincoln, had been banished to the Rebel States. It proceeded as far as Louisville in such service, when it was brought back to Camp Dennison. Here the Battery remained until John Morgan crossed the Ohio into Indiana, when it was taken to Madison, in that State, where four of its guns were placed on board steamers, to serve as patrol of the Ohio River. In this way the pursuit of Morgan was materially aided, the boats keeping close along with the pursuing Cavalry throughout.

September 22, 1863, the Battery started for Camp Nelson, Kentucky. Thence, October 1st, it proceeded to Greenville, Tennessee, and was kept actively at work through the roughest portions of that State until January 16, 1864. At Walker's Ford, December 2, 1863, it took prominent part in the fight, doing valuable service on the ranks of the Rebels. From that time until the close of the War, the Battery was on duty in Tennessee and Alabama, chiefly in guarding important fords and Railroad lines. July 21, 1865, it returned to Camp Taylor, near Cleveland, Ohio, where it was paid off and mustered out of service.

ROSTER, THREE YEARS' SERVICE.

Name and Rank. Date of Rank Remarks.

Captain

James W. Patterson Nov. 13, 1862 Res. May 9, 1864.

James N. Walley May 25,1864 M. o. July 21,'65.

1st Lieutenant

James N. Walley Jan. 7, 1863 Pro. to Captain.

Harrison L. Holloway Nov. 19,1862 Res. Dec. 23,1863

Wm. H. H. Smith Feb. 18, 1864 M. o. July 22,'65.

John M. Raymond May 25,1864 Died Nov. 18,'63.

2d Lieutenant

Wm. H. H. Smith Nov. 9, 1862 Pro. to 1st Lieut.

John M. Raymond Jan. 7, 1863 Pro. to 1st Lieut.

Wm. D. Mann Feb. 18, 1864 M. o. July 21,'65