CHAPTER XIX
MILITARY HISTORY OF THE COUNTY
Revolutionary War-Soldiers of the Revolution Buried Here-War of 1812-Fort Morrow -The Old Military Road-General Harrison's March Through Marion County-Incidents of the Period-Perils of the Returning Militiamen-The Wyatt Cemetery--"Drake's Defeat"--Mexican War-Civil War-The Union Meeting of April 16, 1861--Presentation of Flags to Harlon's First Two Companies - Regimental History "Jack" Kade-The "Sultana' Disaster-The 82nd Ohio at Gettysburg-Died on the Field of Battle-Spanish-American War.
Revolutionary War.
Marion County may lay claim to some interest in every military movement in the evolution of our nation. Within her limits lie buried the remains of 15 soldiers of the Revolution. The names of these patriots are: Frazier Gray, Joseph Gillett, James Swinerton, Ebenezer Ballentine, Joshua Van Fleet, Nathaniel Wyatt, John Irey, Samuel Simson, Benjamin Tickel, Joseph Powell, Israel Clark, Jay Riggin, David Potts, Buckeye Davis and Andrew Hyde. Many residents of the county can claim descent from these and others of Revolutionary fame.
Frazier Gray, who lies buried at Scott Town (Union Cemetery), enlisted in the Delaware Continentals, and served throughout the Revolution as one the "Blue Hen's Chickens." He came to this 1839 to live with his sons, George and Samuel Gray. He was with his regiment and on the Hudson when Major Andre was captured, guarded him in his confinement, and stood near when he was hung. He knew General Washington and had talked with him. He died in 1849, aged 89 years.
Joshua Van Fleet came to, Big Island township in 1832. He died in 1849 aged 84 years. Before coming to this county he was a member of the New York Legislature and a county judge.
Joseph Powell and Israel Clark were mess mates during their service in the Revolution and both came to Marlon County early in the 20's and settled in Richland township. near Kings Mills. Clark died February 5, 1827, at the age of 76 years. Powell died in September, 1844, at the extreme old age of 101 years. Both were buried in the Smith graveyard in Richland township.
Josiah Wilcox lived near Delaware, but frequently visited his son Hira Wilcox in Waldo township. He, too, died in 1849, at the advanced age of 106 years. He was a colonel in the Revolutionary War and was afterwards breveted brigadier-general. He was nearly seven feet tall, was a member of General Wash-
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ington's staff and had charge of his body-guard in the march on Trenton.
War of 1812.
The first accurate knowledge of Marion County by the white man was gained during, the War of 1812. War was declared by the United States against Great Britain on June 18, 1812. Gen. William Hull with 2,500 men surrendered Detroit to General Brock on August 16th and immediately the entire northwest frontier was in a state of intense excitement. At this time there were no white settlers in Marion County north of the Greenville Treaty line. South of that line, in Marlborough (now Waldo) township, lived the Drakes, Bruridiges, Wyatts, Wilcoxes and Currans. Realizing their danger from a sudden attack by the Indians, Fort Morrow was built about three quarters of a mile south of the present village of Waldo. The fort contained two blockhouses, one at the southwest and one at the northeast corner of the enclosure, which contained about half an acre of ground. One of the blockhouses, was of round and the other of hewed logs. On the top log of the latter was painted "Fort Morrow. Built by Captain Taylor." The upper story of these blockhouses projected out about four feet all around over a basement six feet high. They had port-holes and one cannon was kept at the fort. The fort, which included Wyatt's tavern, was surrounded by an inclosure of pickets, made of slabs, three inches thick and five or six feet in height.
Wyatt's Tavern was a two-story brick building 20 by 36 feet in dimensions. It was built by Nathaniel Wyatt, Sr., before the war, on the old Military road. It was run as a hotel until about 1840.
The old Military road, as it is commonly called, was ceded to the United States by a treaty made at Brownstown, Michigan, on November 25, 1808, with the Chippewas, Ottawas, Pottawatomies, Wyandots and Shawanees. By the terms of this treaty a strip of land 120 feet wide was ceded to the United States, from the foot of the Maumee Rapids, to the west line of the Western Reserve, and all the land within one mile of the road on each side, that settlements might be made along it. By the same treaty a strip 120 feet wide, for a roadway only, settlements being barred, was ceded from Lower Sandusky (Fremont) south to the Greenville Treaty line. This road followed up the Sandusky River, passed just west of Tiffin, through Upper Sandusky and Marion. Through Marion County it followed, in general, the line of the present Marion and Upper Sandusky and Marion and Delaware pikes. This road in its course did not follow any of the present streets of Marion, but at a point near where Delaware avenue and Main street intersect it bore off to the northwest, continuing the general direction of Delaware avenue, and passing a little east of where Center and Prospect streets intersect.
The old Military road may still be traced in many places in this county. On the farm of S. O. Young, three miles south of Marion, its route may be plainly seen where it passes through the woods about one-eighth of a mile west of the Marion and Delaware pike. It passes through the entire length of the. woods, is between 35 and 40 feet in width and is now overgrown with second-growth timber, some of which is a foot or more in diameter.
When the War of 1812 came on, this became the chief route for moving those armies that were assembled at Chillicothe, then the State capital, to the frontier, as well as the great highway over which the artillery and supplies were forwarded to the Army of the Northwest. This road, as opened by Harrison's troops, did not always maintain a direct course, but curved around the swampy places and kept on the high places.
Gen. William Henry Harrison was appointed to the command of the Army of the Northwest in September, 1812. At the time he was in his 39th year. He bad, been Ohio's first Representative in Congress. While in Congress he was appointed Governor of the Territory of Indiana. As Governor, just one year before, he had won his famous victory at Tippecanoe. After Hull's surrender, he was considered by President Madison as the most
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suitable person to place in command of the American forces in the Northwest.
Harrison arrived at Franklinton, now Columbus in September, 1812, and began to plan his compaign. To the north of Delaware was an almost unbroken forest, occupied by hostile Indians. The troops at his disposal were mostly militia and volunteers.
His plan was to divide the army into three columns: The left, composed of Kentucky militia and the 17th and 18th U. S. regiments, under Brigadier-General Winchester, was assigned to the route of St. Marys; the central column, consisting Of 1,200 Ohio militia and 800 mounted infantry, commanded by Brigadier-General Tupper, to that of Fort McArthur (Kenton) ; while the right column, made up of three brigades of militia from Pennsylvania, Virginia and Ohio, led by General Harrison in. person, was to approach its object by Upper Sandusky and Lower Sandusky. The objective point was the recovery of Michigan Territory.
The conditions confronting General Harrison are described in his communication to the government, dated October 22nd, from Franklinton. He wrote: "I am not able to fix any period for the advance of the troops to Detroit. It is pretty evident, that it cannot be done, on proper principles, until the frost shall become so severe, as to enable us to use the rivers and the margin of the lake, for the transportation of the baggage on the ice. To get supplies forward, through the swampy wilderness of nearly 200 miles, in wagons or on pack-horses, which are to: carry their own provisions, is absolutely impossible."
He further stated that in the opinion of the quartermaster, it would require two teams, loaded with forage for their own subsistence, for every one employed in carrying other articles from Franklinton to Upper Sandusky, at which place it was necessary to accumulate, not only provisions for the men, but forage to serve at least 2,000 horses and oxen, to be employed in advancing on the main expedition.
About the middle of November he moved his headquarters to Delaware. It was while at Delaware, on December 12th, that he wrote the government suggesting that an effort be made to secure control of Lake Erie. His advice was followed, resulting in Perry's victory. From, Delaware also he wrote Secretary Monroe his letter resigning his office of Governor of the Territory of Indiana, to which he had been successively appointed by Jefferson, Adams and Madison, in order to accept the appointment as brigadier-general. The Senate, it seems, had delayed confirming his appointment, because some of the Senators contended that Harrison should first resign as Governor.
The movement of the troops during November was delayed by heavy rains. Then came cold weather and a hard freeze. Parties were sent forward immediately to open roads, bridge creeks and pave the way for the army through what are now Marion and Wyandot counties. Early in December a detachment of Gen. Simon Perkin's brigade were the first troops to pass over the Military road. About the 8th and, 9th of the same month a battalion of Pennsylvania militia passed over this route, with 21 pieces of artillery, which had been brought from Pittsburg by Lieutenant Hukill. Then General Harrison sent some companies of the Virginia brigade after them to strengthen the forces and guard the supplies. On the 18th of December General Harrison himself arrived with more troops at Upper Sandusky. It is altogether likely that his, march through Marion County took place on the 16th and 17th of December, 1812. It is known that he remained one night at Wyatt's Hotel in Waldo township, and camped at. "Jacob's Well." On this march Harrison was accompanied by Pennsylvania and Virginia troops with 18 l--pounders, eight 12-pounders and two 5 1/2-howitzers.
One cannon was lost in the swale near "Jacob's Well." This interesting landmark, probably first used by the passing troops, was located on the east side of the Military road at a point not far from the residence of Mr. Fairfield on Delaware avenue. Samuel H. Bartram remembers distinctly having been shown the well when a small boy, by his father, Judge John Bartram. At that time the well had fallen into decay. It was from eight to ten
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feet deep, walled up with cobblestones. The virgin forest still stood around it, except that all the trees had been removed from 10 to 15 feet in each direction. It was near the brow of the hill and perhaps 25 feet back from the road. The popular belief that this well was near Columbia street is erroneous, for it was not mere water that was desired, but pure water, free from malaria, and suitable for cooking and drinking. The low ground was filled with water the year round. This spring or well on the hill was undoubtedly of great value to the troops, and around it camped the soldiers, weary after a day of strenuous marching through the unbroken forest to the south, or the swampy prairie to the north.
Copies of an old history of Ohio are yet in existence in which can be found: "The village of Marion is situated in Marion township, Marion County, in Central Ohio, in latitude 40 degrees 35 minutes north and longitude 83 degrees 8 minutes west. Its elevation above Lake Erie is 410 feet above the Atlantic 977 feet. It was formerly known as 'Jacob's Well,' having been named after Jacob Foos, one of the commissioners appointed to fix county seats, who, being thirsty and finding no water at hand, chopped out a wooden spade and dug a hole about five feet deep, from which gushed a stream of living water." This story, describing the manner in which the well received its name, is unquestionably open to grave doubts. The well was first used 10 years before the commissioners visited this location to locate a county seat. Besides, Jacob Foos was not a commissioner but a soldier of the War of 1812. He may have discovered the spring while marching through the county with his comrades, but it is more likely the name "Jacob" came from the imagination of the discoverers or users, who likened it to the Jacob's well of Biblical times.
McAfee, in his rare "History of the Late War," published in 1816, says that "about the 10th General Harrison arrived himself (at Upper Sandusky) and established his headquarters. Soon after he returned to Chillicothe and after a short stay again proceeded to the frontier by way of Franklinton, from which place he wrote Secretary Monroe on the 4th and 8th of January, 1813, from which we gather that the plan of campaign had been checked by a general thaw about the last of December, succeeded by a very deep snow, whilst the ground was in that soft state. He writes: 'It is however cold again, and we calculated on being able to use with effect the sleds, a considerable number of which I have caused to be prepared.' A few days after writing these letters he arrived again at Upper Sandusky, together with the whole of the Pennsylvania and Virginia brigades, making his effective force at that place about 1,500 strong. On the 12th the balance of the artillery also arrived, large quantities of necessary supplies were constantly arriving, and the general appearance of the camp announced the near approach of that state of preparation requisite to the commencement of active operations."
The exact date of his first, arrival at Upper Sandusky, as stated, was December 18, 1812. On December 27th, he was back again in Chillicothe. On January 8th following, he was at Franklinton and a few days later was again at Upper Sandusky. So that in less than 30 days General Harrison had crossed the present territory of Marion County four times, traveling over the Military road.
The Virginian troops, numbering 1,600, were under Brigadier-General Leftwich, "an old phlegmatic Dutchman, who was not fit," says Colonel Wood, "for a packhorse master, much less to be entrusted with such an important command."
It must not be thought that these were the only troops to pass through Marion County during the war. Altogether, probably not less than 10,000 troops traversed the territory of the county, most of them along the Military road, but some taking the road running through Radnor and passing near Green Camp and Big Island. There were also many teamsters, wagons loaded with supplies and camp equipment, cattle and horses; and on December 18, 1812, 4,648 hogs were started from Chillicothe for the use of the Army of the Northwest and driven over this route.
The condition of the soldiers during this
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PAGE 242 PICTURES: OLD MILITARY ROAD, COL. WILLIAM S. DRAKE, SITE OF OLD FORT MORROW, OLD MISSION CHURCH (UPPER SANDUSKY), COL. JOSHUA VAN FLEET AND OLD WYATT CEMETERY
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winter campaign was most painful. Governor Meigs, in a message to the State Legislature on December 17, 1812, in an appeal for aid, says of their suffering: "The situation of the men, as to clothing, is really distressing. You will see many- of them wading through the snow and mud almost barefooted and half naked. Not half the men have a change of pantaloons, and those linen."
The Kentucky soldiers complained loudly because they were required to pay 50 cents for meals at Delaware and eat at the second table.
From Upper Sandusky, Harrison pushed on to the Rapids of the Maumee which he reached about January 20, 1813. He spent the winter in hurrying forward troops and supplies and in building Fort Meigs. Here he was besieged the last of April by General Proctor, and Tecumseh. Meanwhile Governor Meigs, who had been appealed to for more State militia, was at Franklinton making arrangements for equipping the militia which had been drafted. On May 1 and 2, 1813, the "Chillicothe Guards," 200 strong, passed through the present limits of Marion County, arriving at Upper Sandusky on the 2nd of May, followed by Captain McConnell's company from Zanesville, which was accompanied as far as Delaware by Governor Meigs. From this place, by having heard that Fort Meigs. was besieged, the Governor dispatched expresses throughout all the adjoining counties, requesting mounted men to be raised immediately and rendezvous at Norton. He then pushed on to Upper Sandusky over the Military road. On May 8th, William Creighton, Jr., wrote from Upper Sandusky that troops were coming in daily, that 500 had already arrived, and that by the following night they expected to be 1,000 strong.
On May 5th the siege of Fort Meigs was raised, but State troops continued to arrive at Upper Sandusky all through the summer of 1813 until in, August they numbered between 5,000 and 6,000. Most of these came over the Military road. The encampment at Upper Sandusky was called the "Grand Camp of Ohio Militia," and was under the command of Governor Return Jonathan Meigs. These militiamen became discontented because they were not called into active service by General Harrison. On August 29th a statement was issued by the officers of the camp, among whom were Brig.Gen. Robert Lucas and Allen Trimble, in which General Harrison was denounced, and Governor Meigs exonerated, from all blame in that connection. On the same day all of the militia were discharged except 2,000 which were to remain in the service for 40 days longer. These soldiers, some of whom had previously been discharged, returned to their homes in small companies and squads. Some rode in the wagons of returning teamsters; some on horseback and others, less fortunate, walked. As an unbroken forest lay between them and their homes, almost all followed the same route by which they had entered the country. Many of them were unarmed, and all hastened along the narrow military road through the prairie and wilderness without guarding against attack from the Indians, intent only on arriving again at home.
An interesting account of the adventure and peril of one such returning company of soldiers, within the present limits of Marion County, is recounted in The Supporter, a weekly newspaper published at the time in Chillicothe. The issue bears date of Wednesday, August 18, 1813. The article reads:
"On Friday last; a party of the militia. who were on their way home from Upper Sandusky, were attacked by a party of five or six Indians who were concealed near the road. The militia then discharged, not presuming there was any danger, and anxious to proceed home as expeditiously as possible, had left camp in small squads, and generally without arms. The, party who were attacked had proceeded with a waggon, near to the bullock pen, about 14 or 15 miles from Sandusky, on the road to Norton, when the Indians made the attack. They were first discovered by Adjutant Barnes, who, was then driving the wagon, and who immediately gave the alarm. Major Daniel and Captain Flynn sprang up, when the Indians fired and wounded Major Daniel in the leg, and also dangerously wounded Captain Flynn in the groin. Adjutant Barnes saved himself by
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throwing his body between the two hind horses, just as one of the savages was taking aim at him, and at the same time applying the whip to the horses soon overtook a party who were ahead. They then took the horses out of the waggon, and placing the wounded men on horseback, proceeded to the cabin on Little Scioto, where they overtook another considerable party. They then collected about 12 or 13 rifles which they loaded and proceeded in pursuit of the savages, but while in pursuit they discovered the body of a Mr. Shaw, lying dead near the road, and also the heart of some other person. The armed party, however, still proceeded and took two Indians whom they secured and sent to the camp at Upper Sandusky, from which place the mounted horsemen were sent in pursuit. The unarmed party brought the wounded men safe into Norton, as also the body of Mr. Shaw, which they interred at that place."
This bold attack took place in Salt Rock township between four and five miles north of Marion. Major Daniels recovered from his wounds, but Captain Flynn died at Fort Morrow and was buried in the Wyatt Cemetery. The Captain had served at different parts of the border, and had been assigned to Fort Stephenson, then commanded by Colonel George Croghan. Soon after the repulse of the British and Indians by the brave defenders of that fort, he received his discharge. In company with Major Daniels he started for his home in Chillicothe, with the result as above narrated. It is said that Mr. Shaw, referred to in the account, and another soldier, while on their way home from Lower Sandusky, were fired upon by the Indians and both killed. When the bodies were found, the heart of one had been cut out and laid upon his breast. They were both scalped and horribly mutilated. Their bodies were both buried in this cemetery.
The Wyatt Cemetery is the historic burying-place of Marion County. It is situated near the south line of the county in Waldo township on the bank of the Olentangy. Here lie the Wyatts, Drakes and Brundiges, the first settlers in Marion County. It is situated on a knoll near where old Fort Morrow once stood in sight of the old Military road, and originally contained one acre of land. The occasion of the first burial is not known, but a number of the soldiers of the War of 1812 found their last resting place here. Besides Captain Flynn and the two soldiers killed north of Marion, three other soldiers of this war, who died at the cabin of Nathaniel Brundige were interred in this cemetery. One of them was William Wolfley, who was wounded near Upper Sandusky by the Indians. A Captain Yarnell, who was in Perry's victory on Lake Erie, was also buried here. On the north side of the knoll there is an apparently vacant spot, two tiers of graves in width and 14 yards in length. Here were buried soldiers of the War of 1812, said to be 13 in number.
A blockhouse was built by the soldiers during the War of 1812 on the Radnor and Upper Sandusky road, in what is now the northeast corner of Green Camp township. Near the site of this fort several of the soldiers of that war lie buried.
General Harrison again traveled over the Military road about the middle of May, 1813, on his way from the frontier to Chillicothe. On June 21st, he held a council in Franklinton with 50 chiefs of the Delawares, Shawanees, Wyandots and Senecas. Tarhe (Crane) of the Wyandot tribe was the principal spokesman for the Indian chiefs. He was friendly toward the Americans. Undoubtedly this party of chiefs traversed the territory of the county on their journey to and from this council.
The following are the soldiers of the War of 1812 who afterwards became citizens of Marion County or were buried within its limits: William Arnold, S. S. Bennett, George H. Busby, Eber Baker, E. Bowdish, Colonel Bowdish, Calvin Burnett, W. Cooperider, Robert Cratty, Josiah Copeland, W. Crawford, William S. Drake, S. Davis, J. Ellmaker, Jacob Foos, Captain Flinn, Hezekiah Gorton, N. Hull, Adam Hines, George Holloway,
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Robert Hopkins, Simon Huggins, J. James, J. R. Knapp, Thomas Pugh, J. Leveren, John B. Matthews, Captain William Morral, Joseph Oborn, Bruce Packard, William Patton, Maj. Joseph Pangborn, J., Reed, H. Ritchie, Benjamin Riley, Jacob Rice, J. P. Sullivan, J. Sullivan, W. Sullivan, V. Wilson, Jacob Walters, Jesse Walker, William Wolfley, Capt. John Van Meter, J. B. Salmon, A. Sorrick and Henry Worline.
It will not be inappropriate in closing this account of Marion County in the War of 1812 to repeat the oft-told story of "Drake's Defeat."
During the siege of Fort Meigs, Capt. William S. Drake was ordered with his militia to the frontier. Passing out of Delaware County over the Military road, he encamped the first night about four miles south of the present site of Marion. Before the men lay down to sleep, sentinels were posted and a plan of battle agreed upon in case of surprise by the Indians. After some hours, the Captain slipped out of camp, by the sentinels, into the forest, and, firing off his gun, came running into camp shouting "Indians! Indians!" The entire ,camp at once became filled with confusion. Some of the soldiers ran away, some attempted to form a line of battle, and the officers tried to rally the fleeing men. The Captain, seeing the consternation told his men the joke, but some had gone too fast and far to be recalled. A few of the fleeing soldiers, who reached Radnor about daylight, alarmed the settlers who at once sought safety in flight. Some of these did not stop until they reached Worthington, Franklinton and Chillicothe. Captain Drake afterwards admitted the folly of his experiment, but justified his conduct by saying that he meant it only for a test, and did not suppose it would result in a panic.
Mexican War.
No organized company from Marion County went to the Mexican War. Those who went were volunteers and enlisted one at a time. The following is the list so far as known of those
from Marion County, who participated in this war: Albert H. Brown, I. Huffman, J. Hill, D. Longacre, R. May, Fred Ossing, J. Wallace, Jacob Schoenlaub, E. Salsbury, Robinson Stevens, J. McClain and R. Stallmail. Jacob Schoenlaub, who lives about three miles southeast of Marion on the Richland pike, is the sole survivor of the war now residing in the county. He enlisted when but 17 years of age, and took part in a number of engagements under the command of General Scott. Albert H. Brown afterwards served in the Civil War, raising one of the first companies to go, from Marion County. Robinson Stevens enlisted in the regular army and at the outbreak of the Mexican War became a lieutenant. He is buried in Green Camp, Cemetery.
Civil War.
It will be impossible to follow minutely all the movements of the soldiers from Marion County during the Civil War. All that can here be done is to touch on those matters of interest, which may not be found in the numerous works of a general nature relating to the great conflict, and which are of particular interest locally.
Fort Sumter was fired on at 4:30 o'clock on the morning of April 12, 1861. On Sunday, the 14th, the fort was evacuated. The following morning the local Common Pleas Court began its term with judge William Lawrence on the bench, who, before opening court, caused the American flag to be raised over the Court House. News of the fall of Fort Sumter was received while a case was being tried. The judge thereupon dismissed court and delivered a patriotic speech.
On the following evening, April 16, 1861, a large and enthusiastic body of men of all parties convened at the Court House. Past political differences were forgotten. "At an early hour crowds began to throng the Court House, and soon every foot of space on the floor and in the galleries was occupied." John J. Williams called the meeting to order and Capt. Elisha Hardy was made chairman; John Hood, vice chairman; and S. H. Bartram. and H. C, God-
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man, secretaries. Then the American flag was flung. out over the platform and the band played "Star Spangled Banner." Judge Bartram was called upon to make the first speech. "I think the South has grievances," he said, "but the remedy is in the Union, not out of it. I am a State Rights man, but consider that we owe duties to the Federal government which we cannot violate with impunity. The Confederate States have transgressed Federal rights, and are therefore guilty of treason. Actual war has begun; what shall we do? As American citizens there is but one choice--the government must be sustained." These utterances were greeted with cheers and applause and the band played "Yankee Doodle."
Judge Lawrence being called upon responded. He said he had not for four years made any political speeches, and he would not now speak, were this a question of party politics. He entered into an elaborate analysis of the nature of the national difficulties, and advocated "grape for the ranks and hemp for the leaders."
Bradford R. Durfee, James H. Godman, Samuel H. Bartram, H. T. Van Fleet and James Olds, of Mount Gilead, each spoke briefly. During Godman's speech the enthusiasm of the meeting reached the highest pitch when he declared: "I am not afraid to say that those who sympathize with secession will be marked! Patriots will never forget traitors. Remember Benedict Arnold! Hold on to the right forever. I pledge myself to defend my country when it becomes necessary, and I will redeem that pledge. If the glorious Union shall be dissolved, then I shall feel like gathering my children around me, and making the flag of the Union our winding sheet." Immense cheering followed these utterances. The following day, April 17th, Capt. Albert H. Brown, who was in the service during the Mexican War, issued a handbill stating that an effort would be made to raise a company of volunteers from this county. The same day a room was secured in the Bennett Block, where at a meeting held in the evening 26 "good men and true" promptly enrolled their names for the war.
About the same time James H. Godman began raising a company. On the 23rd of April the ladies of Marion presented two beautiful flags to the companies. The presentation took place in front of the Methodist Episcopal Church, then at the southeast corner of State and Center streets, in the presence of an immense. crowd. Captain Brown's company formed on the east side of the entrance to the church and Captain Godman's on the west side. The choir sang the 1st, 2nd and 4th verses of the 745th Hymn of the "Methodist Collection" --"God Moves in a Mysterious Way His Wonders to Perform"- and Rev. I. N. Newton read the 144th Psalm. Rev. Burkholder led in an appropriate prayer after which the choir sang the 1027th Hymn--"Fountain of Mercy, God of Love." Addresses were then delivered by Revs. H. B. Fry and I. N Newton and were responded to by G. A. Mouser, a private, in Captain Godman's company. Judge Bartram then presented the flags. He said:
"Captains A. H. Brown and J. H. Godman and Gentlemen Volunteers of Companies 1 and 2 :
"The young ladies of Marion have united in heart and hand to present to you, ere your departure, some memento as a testimony of our love, our confidence and gratitude. At the first sound of our country's call to arms, you have promptly responded and placed yourselves in the front ranks, under its banners, in defense of its cause.
"You have said 'Our Union must be preserved. The glorious Stars and Stripes shall not be trodden under foot.'
"In this, you are not only, defending our common country, but you are defending us, our lives, our homes, our happiness, our hopes.
"We bid you then Godspeed, and beg the privilege of presenting these flags to the respective companies. They are the results of our own efforts, the work of our hands, the flag of our country, the testimonials of our affections, our sympathy and sincere admiration of your prompt and devoted action.
"When in far-off lands your gaze shall rest upon them rnay they nerve you to certain victory.
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"And may we not hope that they will also serve to bring to your remembrance the anxious and loving hearts which you leave behind you, Our hearts swell with emotion. Tears leap, to the eye unbidden; sighs and sobs will break forth, for we are your sisters and friends. Yet we say go, go on, go on; you have enlisted in a noble cause, God grant that you may go to glory and to victory.
"And when you are far away in the tented field, or, perhaps, engaged in deadly conflict, 'mid clinking steel and clash of arms, then will we pray our Heavenly Father to watch over you, protect you and give you success, and a triumphant and speedy return, still bearing aloft those banners, those emblems of our sacred cause.
"Oh! yes, let us hope to see those flags again. Long may you bear them as tokens of your valor, and the noble sacrifice you now make to your country.
"And now, brothers, friends, because you will be separated from us by the camp, we will bid you farewell; may the God of battle be with you, protect and bless you, and give you victory and a safe and speedy return. Farewell."
Captains Godman and Brown responded in eloquent speeches, promising to bring back the flags unsullied with dishonor, or make them the winding sheets of themselves and those who went forth to battle under them. The choir sang the "Star Spangled Banner," appropriate resolutions were offered by Mrs. H. F. Fry and the benediction was pronounced by Rev. Samuel D. Bates.
After the fall of Fort Sumter, the excitement was so great in Marion that the Marion Republican did not issue its regular weekly paper and the Mirror issued a two-page 12 X 18 inch sheet on April 25th, with the following announcement: "Owing to the extraordinary and intense excitement which has pervaded this community for the past week, neither office in this place has been able to issue a paper. Our regular issue will be resumed next week, if the Printers don't all volunteer."
In this same issue appears this very brief account of the departure of the troops:
"The two companies raised here by Capts. Brown and Godman, each 100 strong, left on a special train for Columbus, where they are ordered to report at 10 A. M. to-day. An immense crowd, numbering thousand, assembled to see the boys off, and bid them farewell. The boys bore the parting as well as could be expected, though many tears were shed both by them and the friends they left behind. A short but eloquent address was made by Rev. H. B. Fry, and as the train moved off, three cheers were given for the noble volunteers. Both companies are made up of excellent materials, and after being drilled, will give a good account of my secession troops who may cross their path."
The citizens of the county had meanwhile subscribed $10,000 to a relief fund for the support of the needy families of those who had enlisted for the war. Ozias Bowen and J. W, Bain beaded the subscription with $500 each.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
Fourth Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf. Captain Brown's company numbered 110 men and became Company K, Fourth Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. Among the number were the following: F. R. Saiter, John F. Uhler, H. H. Cunningham, S. E. Hain and John J. Kade.
The last named became a famous scout and several times came near being apprehended by the Confederates as a spy. On May 24, 1862, Kade returned to Marion, having been paroled after nine days imprisonment in Richmond. The Unionist of June 13, 1862, has the following interesting account of Kade:-He was allowed by General McClellan to pass through the lines at will. He became so annoying to the Confederate general, Ashby, that he offered $500 for his scalp. "Jack," as Kade was called, thereupon determined to see the man who was so anxious to get hold of his "topknot." He learned from a Union farmer near Petersburg that Ashby was soon to, pass that way. So borrowing a suit of clothes, a horse and a scythe from the farmer, he started up the road to meet him. Soon the General came in sight, and Jack, with his scythe swung on his shoulder, stopped him and had a lengthy
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conversation with him. He learned that two companies of Ashby's cavalry would soon pass along a certain road. After the General had passed on, Jack collected a party of Union farmers, ambushed the companies and killed 11 men and two horses. At another time (May 3, 1862), while scouting for General Banks, he and Richard Field, also of Marion, were ordered to procure information of General Ewell's camp. They proceeded to Masanattan Mountain, from whence they could, by the aid of a splendid field glass belonging to Colonel Godman, obtain a full view of the Rebel encampment. After making a thorough sketch of it they started for headquarters, Jack having his papers in his cap, with his handkerchief over them. They were suddenly surprised by a number of Mississippi soldiers, and ordered to surrender by the officer of the command, which they did. Jack stopped and when ordered to advance, took off his cap, took out his handkerchief, gathering his papers in his hand with it, wiped his face, threw the handkerchief back, retained the papers in his hand, and while advancing to the officer accidentally stubbed his toe, fell down, run his hands under the leaves and dirt and left the papers there, thus saving himself and comrade from being shot as spies They were then taken to Richmond, treated most inhumanely for nine days and finally paroled.
Captain Godman's company numbered 112 men, among whom were W. Z. Davis, J. W. King, J. E. Crow, Milton Marsh and G. H. May. His company became Company H. Fourth Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. Soon after arriving at Camp Jackson, Columbus, Captain Godman was elected major of the regiment and Prof. E. B. Olmstead, principal of the Marion Union Schools, was elected captain in his place,
The Fourth Ohio was made up of two companies from Mount Vernon, two from Delaware. two from Kenton, two from Marion (H and K), one from Canton and one from Wooster. Altogether about 275 men from Marion County enlisted during the war in companies H and K. The Fourth Ohio took part in the battle of Gettysburg and. was one of the three regiments that drove the Confederates from Cemetery Hill on July 1st. During the war it marched 1,975 miles and traveled by rail and transport 2,279 miles, making an aggregate of 4,254 miles. It was noted for its "discipline, efficiency in drill and good conduct on the battle-field."
The first soldier from this county killed was Sturgess Herbert Cooper. He was a member of the band of the Fourth Ohio. On the morning of July 18, 1861, he started from the camp near Beverly, Virginia, in pursuit of a member of the band who had left that morning for home, for the purpose of recruiting men for the band. After delivering his message he started to return, when he was shot within a mile of the picket line. Four of the enemy fired upon him. One shot took effect in the mouth, cutting his lower lip entirely away and part of his jaw and all of his teeth. Another shot entered his left side, passing through his lung. The boys made him a nice coffin and he was buried in a graveyard owned by a private citizen of the town. His funeral was largely attended by both soldiers and citizens and was conducted according to the rules of war. The chaplain, Rev. Dr. Warner, officiated, reading the 15th chapter of 1st Corinthians, and making such remarks as were appropriate to the occasion. Capt. A. H. Brown, commenting on his death, wrote home to his friends "that we have made a solemn vow, and it is registered in Heaven, that his death shall be avenged." Many years have passed away and Bert Cooper's name is still honored by his fellow comrades, who have named their local Grand Army post after him.
The 20th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., was organized for the three months' service in May, 1861. October 21, 1861, it was reorganized and took part in the movements against Fort Donelson and Vicksburg and in Sherman's. Atlanta campaign. There were about 12 Soldiers in this regiment from Marlon County.
The 26th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., was organized at Camp Chase in July, 1861. Only 22 men enlisted in this regiment from Marion County. It was engaged at Shiloh, Stone
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River, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, and in Sherman's "March to the Sea."
The 64th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., was recruited at Mansfield, November 9, 1861. A few more than 200 men from this county served in the regiment, most of them in companies B and D. The regiment saw hard service at Stone River, Rocky Face Ridge, Spring Hill and Chickamauga. It took part also in Sherman's march on Atlanta.
THE "SULTANA" DISASTER.
No marine disaster in the history of our country was so appalling and is yet so little known to-day as the loss of the "Sultana. " She was built at Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1863, and was a regular St. Louis and New Orleans packet. She left Vicksburg on her fatal trip with 1,866 soldiers on board, as shown by the records of the War Department, most of whom had just been recently released from Rebel prisons at Cahaba, Alabama, and Macon and Andersonville, Georgia. Of this number, 765 were saved and 1,101 were lost. Among those on board were William Fies, J. K. Brady, A. 0. Cranmer, Simeon Landon, Casper Zimmer and Hugh Bratton, Marion soldiers belonging to the 64th Regiment Ohio Vol. Inf. The two last named perished.
A little after midnight on the morning of April 27th the steamer left Memphis after unloading some freight and steamed up the river for Cairo, Illinois.
The sleeping soldiers dream of home,
To them the long-sought day had come,
No more in prison pens to moan,
Or guarded by the gray;
At last the changing fates of war
Had swung their prison "gates ajar,"
And "laurel wreaths" from the North afar
Await their crowning day.
About 2 o'clock in the morning one of the boilers blew up with a "report as of the discharge of a park of artillery, a shock as of a railroad collision. From all around arose shrieks, cries, prayers and groans, while down on the lower deck were mangled, scalded human forms heaped and piled amid the burning debris. Brave men, who stood undaunted on many a battle-field, as they suddenly saw the impending death by fire, wrung their hands and with cries most heart-rending rushed pell-mell over the guard into the dark cold waters of the river." Some more thoughtful provided themselves with anything that would float tables, doors, cots, partitions, planks, boxes and barrels. Thus through the long dreary hours of the night they floated and struggled on, until in the morning most of the survivors were picked up by the "Jenny Lind" and landed at Memphis.
The 66th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf. was raised in Champaign, Delaware, Union and Logan counties. Company K, credited to Delaware County, was partly recruited at Waldo and included 58 men from this county, mostly from Waldo, Pleasant and Richland townships. It moved into West Virginia in January, 1862. It, was engaged at Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, Rocky Face Ridge and Gettysburg. The regiment served in 12 States, marched over 11,000 miles and participated in 19 battles.
The 82nd Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., was composed of men frorn. Logan, Richland, Ashland, Union and Marlon counties. It rendezvoused at Kenton, Ohio, and was mustered into service December 31, 1861, with 968 men. During the period of its service, Marion County furnished the regiment 286 men, mostly in companies D, H and I.
At McDowell, Virginia, on May 8, 1862, Christian Solce and, George Watson of Company D were killed and eight others severely and five slightly wounded. Four in Company H were also severely wounded in this engagement. Two days later Lieut. William Diebolt of Company D died at Franklin, Virginia, from a mortal wound in the neck received at McDowell.
The next severe engagement in which the regiment participated was the second, battle of Bull Run. In this engagement on August 29,
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1862, the 82nd while attacking the Confederates were flanked. In changing front which was successfully executed, "Colonel Cantwell fell from his horse dead, with the words of command and encouragement upon his lips." The loss in killed among the local volunteers was five, all except one from Company I. Again at Chancellorsville the following, May the regiment suffered severely. Capt. George H. Purdy of Company I and Lieut. Thomas J. Abrell of Company D both being killed.
On June 10, 1863, the 82nd broke camp at Stafford, Virginia, and moved north, on the Gettysburg campaign. It was assigned to the Second Brigade of the Third Division, which was a part of the 11th Army Corps. The 11th Army Corps was commanded by Gen. O. O. Howard; the Third Division by Maj. Gen. Carl Schurz and the Second Brigade by Col. W. Krzyzanowski. Col. James S. Robinson was in command of the 82nd Regiment. It marched by way of Catlett's, Manassas Junction, Centerville, Goose Creek, Edwards' Ferry, Middletown and Frederick to Emmittsburg, where it arrived on the 29th. Here it remained until July 1st, the most fatal day of the entire war for those soldiers who enlisted from Marion County.
At 7 a. m. the Third Division left its camp near St. Joseph's College, at Emmitsburg. They arrived at Gettysburg over the Emmitsburg road at 1:30 o'clock at double-quick. The weather was sultry. Much of the march had been made in a drenching rain. The troops, who had marched several hours without halting a single time, were much out of breath.
The only other Union troops in the vicinity of Gettysburg were the First Army Corps, who, were engaged in a lively fight on the ridge northwest of Gettysburg. General Reynolds commanding the First Corps had been killed, and General Howard had assumed command. General Schurz in turn assumed command of the 11th Corps and turned over command of the Third Division to General Schimmelfennig.
The 82nd Ohio, under command of Col. J. S. Robinson and forming part of the Second Brigade, Third Division, upon its arrival was led north through the town on a double-quick and stationed with their left on the Mummasburg road, with the 75th Pennsylvania and the 119th New York regiments on their right. To the left was Robinson's division of the First Corps. Here they received a heavy fire from the enemy's 10-pounder rifled guns.
About 2 o'clock the whole brigade advanced nearly half a mile, being greatly interrupted by fences, which had to be taken down under a heavy fire of musketry from the enemy. When, within 100 yards of them, in a wheat field, they charged the enemy and drove them back, intending to flank Dole. This movement left an interval of a quarter of a mile between their left and the First Corps. Dole avoided the blow by a rapid change of front, at the same time swinging his right around and enveloping Colonel Robinson's left. At the same time General Gordon was turning the right flank and enfilading the lines of General Barlow, who was on the extreme right.
In his official report, General Schurz says"The Third Division had meanwhile to sustain a furious attack. The Second Brigade, Third Division, being flanked right and left, the situation of that division was most trying. According to orders it fell back toward the town in good order, contesting the ground step by step with the greatest firmness. In this part of the action which was almost a hand-to-hand struggle, officers and men showed the highest courage and determination."
The retreat through the town was protected by part of the artillery. The streets were filled. with vehicles of every description and overrun by men of the First Corps. A number of the men were taken prisoners and General Schmmelfennig fell into the hands of Rebel skirmishers, but succeeded in hiding in a cellar, until the Union Army retook possession of the town on July 4th.
The Second Brigade, Third Division, lost all its regimental commanders. The 82nd Ohio numbered 312 men when it entered the battle and of that number had 6 officers killed, 12 wounded and 2 taken prisoners. Total loss of officers 20. The loss in enlisted men was 13 killed, 10 mortally wounded, 61 wounded,
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PAGE 252 PICTURES: 60TH OHIO VOL. INF (CULP'S HILL), FOURTH OHIO VOL, INF. (GETTYSBERG), 82ND OHIO VOL. INF (GETTYSBERG), COMPANY K. FOURTH OHIO VOL INF. (MARION), THE ILL FATED :SULTANA"AND COMPANY G., FOURTH OHIO INF., U. S. VOLS., IN CAMP (SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR)
and 77 missing. Total loss of enlisted men, 161. This left but 131 men fit for duty.
No record is available to show the number of men in the 82nd from Marion County who were wounded, captured and missing. Of the 19 killed in the entire regiment, however, 5 belonged to Company D, 2 to Company H and I to Company I, making a total of 8 of those from Marion County who were killed in the afternoon of the first day's fight at Gettysburg. The loss of 5 killed in Company D, known as the "Dutch Company," would further indicate that it suffered most severely. Those who gave up their lives on that sultry July day were: Lieut. Henry Jacoby and privates Michael Baltze, William Falk, Martin Jacobs and Henry Seas, of Company D; Eli A. Hain and Jacob Warner, of Company H; and Sidney Skinner, of Company I.
About a mile northwest of Gettysburg, on east Howard avenue, near its intersection with the Mummasburg road, stands a monument to mark the spot and commemorate the valiant conduct of the 82nd in this, bloody engagement on that sultry July day.
All of the commissioned officers from Marion County, who met death in battle, during the Civil War, belonged to the 82nd Regiment. Of the 12 commissioned officers who went out with the 82nd from this county, just half were killed in battle. Few regiments in the Union Army have a record for hard service and desperate fighting equal to the 82nd, known among the New York soldiers in the brigade as the "Irish Regiment."
The 96th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., was raised in the Eighth Congressional District and organized at Camp Delaware on August 29, 1862. Albert H. Brown was lieutenant-colonel of the regiment. One hundred and forty men enlisted from Marion County, mostly in Company E. The 96th lost heavily in the attack on Arkansas Post and then took part in the siege of Vicksburg. Throughout the term of its enlistment it was engaged in the war in the West. It marched 1,683 miles; was transported by boat 7,686 miles; and by rail 517 miles; making a grand total of 9,886 miles.
The 121st Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., was organized in the fall of 1862. About 85 men enlisted from Marion County. It took part in the Western campaign, losing heavily at Kenesaw Mountain.
The 136th Regiment. Ohio National Guard, composed of 100 day men, was organized May 12, 1864.
The 174th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., was organized September 21, 1864, and saw service in Tennessee during the closing days of the war.
Many other regiments contained from one to five volunteers from Marion County.
DIED ON THE FIELD OF BATTLE.
Of those who enlisted from Marion County, 65 met death on the field of battle. Many more died from exposure and wounds. To say how many soldiers went out from this county would only be an estimate at best. They probably numbered 1,800 men. To number those who died from wounds received and from exposure in the camp and on the march in Southern prisons would only be a guess. The list of those from Marion County who were killed in battle follows, by regiments:
Fourth Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf.
Sturgess Herbert Cooper, Co. K, Beverly, Va., July 18, 1861.
Albert Lurkins, Co. H, Shiloh, April 6, 1862.
David C. Ropp, Co. H, Fredericksburg, Va., Dec 13,1862.
James B. Walker, Co. C, Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, 1862.
John H. Jones, Co. H, Chancellorsville, Va.
Abel Craig, Co. K.
Wallace W. Wilson, Co. K.
John Rall, Co. K.
Silas E. Smith, Co. K.
17th Regiment Ohio Vol. Inf.
Amos C. Mutchler, Hoover's Gap, Tenn., July 24, 1862.
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20th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf. - Lyman C. Sherman, Raymond, May 28, 1863.
26th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf. John Crouse, Co. C.
64th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf. George Snyder, Co. B. Stone River, Dec. 31, 1862.; John W. Berry, Co. B, Stone River, Jan. 2, 1863.; Jacob Walker, Co. B, Stone River, Jan. 2, 1863.; Joseph B. Curtis, Co. E, Chickamauga, Sept. 16, 1863.; Jacob Baugh, Co. B, Rocky Face Ridge, May 9, 1864.; James W. Morrow, Co. D, Rocky Face Ridge, May 9, 1864; Stephen Fell, Co. B, Buzzard's Roost, May 9, 1864.; George E. Boham, Co. B, Dallas, Ga., May 27, 1864.; Joseph V. Berry, Co. B, Spring Hill, Tenn., Nov. 29, 1864. Andrew Drake, Co. B, Spring Hill, Tenn., Nov. 29, 1864.; William F. Stanard, Co. D, March 2, 1865.
66th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf. ; Adam Mitchell, Co. K, Cedar Mountain, Aug. 9, 1862.; James F. Newhouse, Co. K, Lookout Mountain, Nov., 1863.;
82nd Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf.; Dennis Toomey, Co. L Fetterman, Va., Jan., 1862.; Isaac W. Anderson, Co. I, McDowell, Va., May 8, 1862. ; Christian Solce, Co. D, McDowell, Va., May 8, 1862.; George Watson, Co. D, McDowell, Va., May 8, 1862.; Lieut. Chas. William Diebolt, Co. D, Franklin, Va., May 10, 1862.; Lieut. H. M. Litzenberg, Co. I, 2nd Bull Run, Aug. 29, 1862.; Frederick Felger, Co. D, 2nd Bull Run, Aug. 29, 1862,.; Sylvester A. Grover, Co. I, 2nd Bull Run, Aug. 29, 1862.; Joseph Rader, CO. I, 2nd Bull Run, Aug. 29, 1862.; Capt. George H. Purdy, Co. I, Chancellorsville, May 2, 1863.; Lieut. Thomas J. Abrell, Co. D, Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863.; Lieut. Henry Jacoby, Co. D, Gettysburg, July 1, 1863.; Michael Baltzle, Co. D, Gettysburg, July 1, 1863.; William Folk, Co. D, Gettysburg, July 1, 1863.; Martin Jacobs, Co. D, Gettysburg, July 1, 1863.; Henry Seas, Col. D, Gettysburg, July 1, 1863.; Eli A. Hain, Co. H, Gettysburg, July 1, 1863.; Sidney Skinner, Co. I, Gettysburg, July 1, 1863.; Jacob Warner, Co. H, Gettysburg, July 1, 1863.; Lieut. William Ballentine, Co. I.; Abraham H. Kepler, Co. H.; Edward McLean, Co. H.;
96th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf.; M. H. Burt, Co. E, Arkansas Post, July 30, 1862.; Cyrus W. Devore, Co. C, Arkansas Post, January 11, 1, 1863.; G. W. Blanchard, Co. D, Carrion Crow Bayou, La., Nov. 5, 1863.; William M, Coulter, Co. E, Sabine Cross Roads, April 8, 1864; George W. Knowles, Co. E. Marksville, La., May 16, 1864.; George Jones, Co. D.;
21st Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf.; Theodore C. Gross, Co. B, Chickamauga, Sept. 20, 1863.; John H. Boyd, Co. B, Kenesaw Mountain, June 27, 1864.; William H. Kip, Co. E, Kenesaw Mountain, June 27, 1864.; Henry M. Mounts, Co. B, Kenesaw Mountain, June 27, 1864. ; Peter B. Strine, Co. B, Kenesaw Mountain, June 27, 1864.;
123rd Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf.; David D. Terry, Snicker's Gap.
174th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf.; Hiram Cratty, Overall's Creek, Tenn., Dec. 3, 1864. David J. Payne, Cedars, Tenn., Dec. 7, 1864.
154th Regiment, New York Vol. Inf; Adam Herbner, Chancellorsville, May 3, 1864.
Cavalry; William A. Cummins, Petersburg, Va.; Elias Kleinfelter, Petersburg, Va.; Edward Cooper.
Soldier, rest thy warfare o'er,
Sleep the sleep that knows no breaking:
Dream of battle-fields no more,
Days of danger, nights of waking.
In our isle's enchanted hall,
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Hands unseen thy couch are strewing,
Fairy strains of music fall,
Every sense in slumber dewing.
Soldier, rest! thy warfare o'er,
Dream of fighting fields no more:
Sleep the sleep that knows no breaking,
Morn of toil, nor night of waking.
No rude sound shall reach thine ear,
Armour's clang, or war-steed champing,
Trump nor pibroch summon here
Mustering clan or squadron tramping.
Yet the lark's shrill fife may come
At the daybreak from the fallow,
And the bittern sound his drum,
Booming from the sedgy shallow.
Ruder sounds shall none be near,
Guards nor warder; challenge here,
Here's no war-steed's neigh and champing,
Shouting clans or squadrons stamping.
Lady of the Lake-Scott.
SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR.
Company G, Fourth Ohio Infantry, United States Volunteers, was enrolled at Marion April 25, 1898. Fred W. Peters was captain of the company. From April 26th to May 15th it was encamped at Camp Bushnell, Columbus, Ohio. On May 16th it arrived at Camp, G. H, Thomas, Chickamauga Park, Georgia, were it remained until July 22nd, when it marched to Roseville, Georgia, a distance of seven miles, and took train for Newport News. On July 28th it embarked on the "St. Paul" for Puerto Rico. The landing was made at Arroyo by means of lighters on August 5th, and the entire command moved against Guayama. After some skirmishing the city was taken. The company then did outpost duty until August 13th when the command advanced against Cayey and while on the move orders suspending hostilities were received. The command returned to Guayama, remaining there from August 13th to October 6th when it marched to Cayey, On October 8th it marched to Caguas. On October 26th it marched to Rio Piedras and from this point took train for San Juan, where on the 29th the company embarked, arriving at Jersey City November 4th. On the following day the command was reviewed by President McKinley. On November 6th the company arrived in Columbus and was mustered out January 4, 1899. The total number of enlisted men in Company G was 105 and 3 commissioned officers. When it was mustered out, the number had been reduced to 72 enlisted men and 3 commissioned officers.