FRANKLIN COUNTY OHIO - HISTORY OF FRANKLIN AND PICKAWAY COUNTIES, OHIO [Page 106] *************************************************************************** OHGENWEB NOTICE: All distribution rights to this electronic data are reserved by the submitter. Reproduction or re-presentation of copyrighted material will require the permission of the copyright owner. *************************************************************************** File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by LeaAnn Rich leaann1@bellsouth.net February 22, 1999 *************************************************************************** HISTORY OF FRANKLIN AND PICKAWAY COUNTIES, OHIO. Page 106 CHAPTER XIX. MILITARY RECORD. To narrate the many acts of heroic devotion to the Union, evinced by the inhabitants of the counties of Franklin and Pickaway, during those terrible years of the Rebellion, would require a volume in itself. Columbus and vicinity have furnished the location of many schools, where was taught the " dread art of war." Even as early as 1812 we find an extensive encampment located near the then flourishing village of Franklinton. Later, during the Mexican war, a camp of rendezvous was established near Columbus, and last, in 1861, we find the Capitol city nearly surrounded by them. Early in the summer of this year, the lands comprised in what is now the beautiful retreat called Goodale park, were occupied as a military rendezvous, styled Camp Jackson, and here were organized and drilled the first troops who went to war from this section. Camp Chase was next formed. It was situated on the National road, some four miles from the city, in Franklin township, and, after it was ready for occupancy, Camp Jackson was abandoned. Camp Chase became, from a simple place of rendezvous, quarters for paroled prisoners of war, and, later, great numbers of rebel prisoners were kept in confinement here. This was one of the most complete camps in the State, and was in use until the close of the war. Another camp (Thomas) was established at a point near the Worthington road, and distant some four miles from the city. It was first occupied by the Eighteenth regiment United States infantry, commanded by Colonel H. P. Carrington. Tod Barracks, named in honor of Ohio's patriotic governor, David Tod,, were constructed in the fall of 1863. The location was on the east side of High street, and north of the railroad depot. They were for the accommodation of sick or disabled soldiers and recruits, and were subsequently the rendezvous of military organizations, awaiting muster out. The United States garrison, situated northeast of, and some two miles from, the State house, was occupied by the United States, during the war, as an arsenal. The troops stationed here at present, are under the command of Colonel Anderson, of the United States army. The Soldiers' home, located in Columbus, was established April as, 1862 by, and under the supervision of, the Soldiers' Aid society. It was of great benefit to the needy soldier, whether clad in the blue or the gray. It closed, May 7, 1866, and the buildings, furniture, etc., were donated to the Hannah Neil mission-------Ohio Soldiers' home. In the spring of 1864, the government erected buildings, some twenty in number, near the crossing of the Columbus & Xenia railroad, on the State quarry tract. These were denominated Tripler hospital, and in the fall of 1865, they were donated to the State for a soldiers' home. This was, we learn, the nucleus of the present establishment at Dayton. The Ladies' Soldiers' Aid society was formed in the fall of 1861, as an auxiliary to the National Sanitary commission at Washington. It was eminently a success. Thousands of our brave boys at the front, in the field, and in the hospital, were made more comfortable through the patriotic efforts of the ladies composing this society. At Circleville,, a society of the same nature, toiled early and late for the soldier. During the memorable raid of the rebel John Morgan through Ohio, in the summer of 1863, which eventually resulted in his capture, in Columbiana county, a great number of men turned out from Franklin and Pickaway counties to aid in the defence of points it was believed he would attack, and though theirs was a blodless campaign, yet they are entitled to credit for their ready response to the call. Many interesting incidents, ludicrous and otherwise, might be given, but space forbids. The rallying of the squirrel hunters, in the autumn of 1862, was another instance illustrating the readiness with which the citizens of Ohio sprang to the defence of the flag. The writer is unable to give the number who participated from the counties of Franklin and Pickaway,, but he is informed there were several hundred of them. The descriptions following are compiled from the valuable work, by Whitelaw Reid, entitled "Ohio in the War." The roster is prepared in the office of the adjutant general of the State of Ohio, and the names are copied verbatim, hence the writer cannot be responsible for errors in spelling. In addition to the rolls, the writer has availed himself of all the aids within his reach, to make the roster complete, showing the name of every soldier, of whatever rank, enrolled from the two counties. Some ten thousand names are given, and it is hoped none are omitted, though, from the Imperfect condition of the rolls, and the carelessness in recording credits, it is highly probable that omissions occur. WAR OF 1812. The following is copied from a muster roll now preserved in the office of the adjutant-general of Ohio, of Captain George Sanderson's company. This was recruited in the counties of Franklin, Fairfield, and Delaware, but as we have no means by which to designate those from each county, we give the roll entire. It was attached to the Twenty-seventh regiment United States infantry, commanded by Colonel George Paul, and formed a part of General Harrison's army at the defence of Fort Stephenson, and was in the disastrous battle of the Thames, October 5, 1813: