Hancock County OhArchives History - Books .....Chapter IX, Part III 1886
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Ann Anderson ann.g.anderson@gmail.com July 17, 2005, 7:02 pm
Book Title: History Of Hancock County

CHAPTER IX.

MILITARY HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY — WAR OF 1812 — MARCH OF HULL'S ARMY FROM
URBANA TO THE MAUMEE EIVER — SITE OF FORT NECESSITY, AND LINE OF HULL'S TRACE—
FORT FINDLAY ERECTED AND GARRISONED— DESCRIPTION OF THE FORT— GEN. TUPPER'S
CAMPAIGN— INDIANS PURSUE CAPT. OLIVER FROM FORT MEIGS TO FORT FINDLAY—
EVACUATION OF THE FORT BY CAPT. THOMAS, AND HIS MURDER BY THE INDIANS — PIONEER
REMINISCENCES OF FOKT FINDLAY, AND ITS FINAL DESTRUCTION — MEXICAN WAR— THE
GREAT KEBELLION— SUBLIME PATRIOTISM OF THE PEOPLE-ENTHUSIASTIC DEMONSTRATIONS IN
FINDLAY AT THE OUTBREAK OF THE WAR — STIRRING SCENES OF PREPARATION FOR THE
CONFLICT — ENROLLMENT AND ORGANIZATION OF VOLUNTEERS, AND THEIR SUBSEQUENT
DEPARTURE FOR CLEVELAND— BRIEF SKETCHES OF THE COMMANDS WHEREIN THE SOLDIERS OF
HANCOCK SERVED, ALSO THE NAMES AND PROMOTIONS OF COMMISSIONED OFFICERS IN EACH
FROM THIS COUNTY— NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS FROM EACH TOWNSHIP UP TO  SEPTEMBER 1,
1862, AND  TOTAL ESTIMATED NUMBER OF SOLDIERS FROM THE WHOLE COUNTY DURING THE
WAR —RELIEF AFFORDED BY THE COUNTY TO SOLDIERS' FAMILIES— GOOD WORK OF THE
MILITARY COMMITTEES AND AID SOCIETIES— CLOSING SCENES OF THE REBELLION—
CELEBRATION AT FINDLAY OVER THE CAPTURE OF RICHMOND AND THE SURRENDER OF LEE'S
ARMY — JOY TURNED TO GRIEF BY THE ASSASSINATION OF LINCOLN — CONCLUSION.

   Nearly three-quarters of a century have elapsed since the arrogance of the
English Government brought on the war of 1812, and though it ended five years
before the erection of Hancock County, the territory embraced therein was very
closely associated with the earliest stages of that struggle for the
preservation of our national rights. On the 4th of June, 1812, a resolution was
passed by Congress declaring war against England; on the 17th of the same month
the bill passed the Senate, and two days afterward President Madison sent forth
the edict. Ohio had been preparing for the conflict, and prior to the
declaration of war troops began assembling at Dayton, Springfield, Urbana and
other points in obedience to the call of Gov. Meigs, and Gen. William Hull was
appointed to the chief command of these troops. On the 16th of June the army
left Urbana on its march toward the Maumee Rapids, and Col. Duncan Me-Arthur was
ordered in advance to open a road through the forest from the Greenville Treaty
line to the Scioto River. "where they built two block houses, which they named
Fort McArthur, in honor of the officer whose regiment had opened the road. To
this fort the whole army came on the 19th, and on the 21st Col. James Findlay
was ordered to open the road as far as Blanchard' s Fork, whither the army,
excepting a guard left at Fort McArthur, again followed on the 22d. Here, amid
rain and mud, another block-house was erected, which was named Fort Necessity.
From this point the army soon after moved to Blanchard' s Fork, where Col.
Findlay had built a block-house, which was named in honor of that officer, and
thence marched northward to the Maumee."* From the Greenville Treaty line to the
Maumee Rapids -the route of the army was through an unbroken forest, and as
there were a great many baggage wagons and also some artillery, it was necessary
to partially open a road the whole distance. The weather continued wet, and some
of the time men and horses had to travel middle deep in mud and water.
Frequently the van of the army had to halt and wait for the rear guard, which
was often detained in relieving wagons and horses from the mire. The army
arrived at the rapids June 30, 1812, whence it proceeded to Detroit, and there
on the 16th of August the campaign came to a disastrous termination through Gen.
Hull's disgraceful and cowardly surrender to the enemy without firing a shot.

* American State Papers.

   The quotation in the foregoing paragraph from the "American State Papers"
might lead the reader to infer that Fort Necessity was located on the Blanchard
River, but such is not the fact. Hull's Trace entered the southern boundary of
Hancock County about half a mile west of the Perrysburg & Bellefontaine State
road, and Fort Necessity was constructed on the west side of the East Branch of
Eagle Creek, in the southwest corner of what is now Madison Township. Several
acres of forest were chopped down and a temporary fort erected, where the army
encamped through necessity (hence the name) until Col. Findlay had the road
opened to the Blanchard. Fort Necessity was never garrisoned, and Squire Carlin,
Job Chamberlin, M. S. Hamlin, William Tanner, and many other pioneers, have told
the writer that they never knew that a block-house was built at that point, as
it was known throughout pioneer days as "Mud Fort." The "American State Papers,"
however, mention the erection of a block-house, and, as it was not garrisoned,
it may have been burned down by the Indians before the close of the war of 1812.
From Fort Necessity the trace ran down the west bank of the East Branch of Eagle
Creek to near its junction with the West Branch, crossing the latter and thence
continuing down the west side of Eagle Creek to Fort Findlay. Here it crossed
the river, and thence ran northward, a short distance east of the State road,
till reaching the high lands south of the Middle Branch of Portage River; thence
followed the meanders of that stream northwestward, into what is now Wood
County; and thence to the Maumee Rapids.

   Gen. Hull left a small garrison under Capt. Arthur Thomas, to complete and
guard Fort Findlay. When finished, the fort consisted of a stockade about ten
feet in height, with a two-story block-house, built of round logs, at each
corner. The enclosure was fifty yards square, the entrance or gate being on the
east side. A ditch surrounded the stockade, the earth from the excavation having
been thrown up against the pickets to give them added strength. The outer walls
of the block-houses projected a short distance beyond the stockade, and the
upper story of each extended a few feet over the lower one, thus commanding the
approaches from every direction. Each block-house was thoroughly loop-holed, and
furnished with one small piece of artillery. Within the enclosure a number of
cabins for the use of the soldiers were built along the stockade, the open space
in the center being utilized by the garrison as a parade ground. To guard
against surprise the forest was cleared off for a considerable distance on the
south, east and west of the fort, while the river on the north afforded a clear
view in that direction. Though no attack was ever made on Fort Findlay, it was
nevertheless well calculated to successfully resist any ordinary force which the
Indians could bring against it. The fort stood on the south bank of the
Blanchard River, in Findlay, the southeast block-house being located on the site
of Judge D. J. Cory's residence, on the northwest corner of Main and Front
Streets. It was one of the many wooden fortifications, which were peculiarly
adapted to Indian warfare, erected as depots for military stores, and to guard
the rear communications of the army.

   In July, 1812, Gen. Edward W. Tupper, of Gallia County, raised a force of
1,000 men for six months' service, principally from Gallia, Lawrence and Jackson
Counties, who, under the orders of Gen. Winchester, rendezvoused at Urbana. From
that village Gen. Tupper followed Hull's Trace to Fort McArthur, where he
established his base of supplies, and then marched northward to Fort Findlay.
After a much needed rest his command pushed on to the foot of the Maumee Rapids.
The Indians appearing in force on the opposite bank of the Maumee, Tupper
attempted to cross the river and attack the enemy, but the rapidity of the
current, and the feeble, half starved condition of his men and horses, rendered
the attempt a failure. The enemy soon after took the offensive, and, crossing
the Maumee, attacked the American camp, but were defeated and driven back with
considerable loss. This defeat caused them to retreat hastily to Detroit, and
Tupper subsequently marched back to Fort Findlay, and thence to Fort McArthur,
where his supplies were stored.

   The following anecdote, related in Howe's "Historical Collections," page 238,
is so closely associated with Fort Findlay as to be worthy of a place in this
chapter: "About 9 o' clock one dark and windy night in the late war, Capt.
William Oliver, in company with a Kentuckian, left Fort Meigs for Fort Findlay
on an errand of importance, the distance being about 33 miles. They had scarcely
started on their dreary and perilous journey, when they unexpectedly came upon
an Indian camp, around the fires of which the Indians were busy cooking their
suppers. Disturbed by the noise of their approach, the savages sprang up and ran
toward them. At this they reined their horses into the branches of a fallen
tree. Fortunately the horses, as if conscious of the danger, stood perfectly
still, and the Indians passed around the tree without making any discovery in
the thick darkness. At this juncture Oliver and his companion put spurs to their
horses and dashed forward into the woods, through which they passed all the way
to their point of destination. They arrived safely, but with their clothes
completely torn off by the brambles and bushes, and their bodies bruised all
over by coming in contact with the trees. They had scarcely arrived at the fort
when the Indians in pursuit made their appearance, but too late, for their prey
had escaped."

   Fort Findlay was garrisoned until the spring of 1815, and a man named Thorp
kept a small sutler store immediately east of the fort during the period of its
occupation. Soon after the war closed the fort was abandoned, and its garrison
returned to peaceful avocations. The Indians though subdued, still entertained
very bitter feelings toward their conquerors, as the treacherous murder of Capt.
Thomas and son will serve to illustrate. "Capt. Arthur Thomas," says Howe,
"lived on King's Creek, three miles from Urbana. He was ordered, in the war of
1812, with his company to guard the public stores at Fort Findlay. On his return
himself and son lost their horses, and separated from the rest of the company to
hunt for them. They encamped at the Big Spring, near Solomon's Town, about five
miles north of Bellefontaine, and the next morning were found killed and
scalped. Their bodies were brought into Urbana by a deputation of citizens."

   There has been considerable difference of opinion among the pioneers of
Hancock County as to the number of block-houses Fort Findlay originally
contained, but it is apparent that it had one at each corner, though a couple of
them had probably been torn down by the Indians before the erection of the
county in 1820. "When my father, Benjamin J. Cox," says Mrs. Elizabeth Eberly,
of Portage, Wood County, "located at Fort Findlay in 1815, there were three
block-houses yet standing in a fair state of preservation, and another partly
torn down. Many of the pickets enclosing the fort had been cut down by the
Indians for fire wood. Very little remained of the block-house at the northwest
corner of the enclosure, but the other three were occupied by some Wyandot
Indian families, a settlement of whom we found around the fort." From several
interviews held with the venerable Squire Carlin, of Findlay, the writer is of
the opinion that some of the material in these historic buildings was utilized
by Wilson Vance and others of the very earliest settlers for fire wood and to
erect out-buildings, and later comers found but one block-house intact, which
was used by Mr. Vance for a stable. This fact led many to believe that the fort
originally contained but one block-house, which remained standing on the site of
Judge Cory's residence for several years after the organization of Hancock
County in 1828. This, too was finally torn down and removed, and with the
passing years all traces of Fort Findlay were gradually obliterated.

   Mexican War.—The disputed territory lying between the Nueces and Bio Grande
Rivers was the direct cause of the Mexican war. Texas, which had first won its
independence and was afterward admitted into the Union, claimed the Bio Grande
as the boundary line, while the Mexican authorities disputed this claim,
asserting it was Nueces River. The United States Government proposed to settle
the controversy by peaceful negotiation, but Mexico scornfully refused and made
threats of occupying the territory in dispute. The Americans in the meantime had
been preparing for war, which from the actions of the Mexican authorities seemed
inevitable. In March, 1846, Gen. Taylor was ordered to advance to the Rio Grande
with a few thousand men, which he had organized at Corpus Christi, near the
mouth of the river Neuces. He erected Fort Brown opposite Matamoras, which was
accepted by Mexico as a declaration of war, and on the 26th of April, 1846, Gen.
Arista, the Mexican commander on the Rio Grande, notified Gen. Taylor that
hostilities had begun. On the same day a small force of American cavalry was
attacked by the Mexicans on the east side of the Rio Grande, and here occurred
the first bloodshed of the war. Hancock County was then very sparsely settled,
and when the call for troops reached this portion of Ohio the quota of the State
was full. A company, however, was recruited from Hancock and Putnam Counties and
offered to the Governor, who replied that their services were not needed. As far
as known only four citizens went from this county into the Mexican war, viz.:
Dr. William D. Carlin and Allen Boyce, of Findlay, and Jeremiah Yates and Loami
Farmer, of Eagle Township. But the progress of the victorious army from the Rio
Grande to the City of Mexico was hailed with a patriotic enthusiasm all over the
country. Some of the Whig leaders, however, affected to see in the war a scheme
for the extension of slavery, and on this ground made many bitter speeches
against it, but the patriotism of the nation was aroused and the Government was
nobly sustained by the people in its triumphant appeal to arms.

   The Great Rebellion.—Since the days of the Revolution, the people of this
country were never so thoroughly aroused, as when the news flashed over the
wires that Fort Sumter had fallen. From all sections of the Free States, there
went up many voices, expressive of a fierce determination to sustain the
Government and punish traitors. History furnishes few examples of such patriotic
devotion, and such unanimity of sentiment and feeling. Volunteer companies
sprang into existence as if by magic; and large amounts were contributed by
State Legislatures, private corporations and individuals to defray the expenses
of the coming struggle for national unity. Hancock County was fully in harmony
with the patriotic sentiments of the nation, and enthusiastic expressions of
loyalty to our time-honored flag fell from the lips of old and young alike.
Findlay being the county seat, was the principal point where public sentiment
found outward expression, and the action taken in that town will serve to
illustrate the patriotism of the people throughout the county.

   Early on the morning of April 17, 1861, a few national flags were thrown to
the breeze, the sight of which seemed to kindle a patriotic fire in every heart,
and others followed in quick succession. Presently a large American banner was
suspended across Main Street from the Court House .to Reed's Hotel. The town
soon began to present a lively appearance, and when a band headed by the stars
and stripes commenced promenading Main Street, the martial spirit in many loyal
hearts broke forth in cheers. About 10 o' clock A. M., a cannon, owned by the
local Democratic organization, was brought out, and, accompanied by several
hundred citizens on foot and horseback, taken across the river and a salute of
thirty-four guns fired in honor of the Union. The enthusiasm was unbounded, and
party lines seemed to be entirely forgotten. Toward noon another large banner
was suspended across Main Street, and flags of every size were floating from
nearly every business house and many of the private residences. Two
"liberty-poles" were raised in the afternoon on the opposite corners of Main and
Main Cross Streets, and the stars and stripes run up on each. A few days
afterward four more flag-staffs were put up at different points on Main Street,
ranging from fifty to eighty feet in height. The abundance of national bunting
to be seen on every hand at this time gave to Findlay an appearance of a great
military encampment.

   Pursuant to a call issued Wednesday, April 17, 1861, a large and enthusiastic
assemblage of citizens convened at the Court House on the following afternoon.
Edson Goit was called to the chair, and Philip Ford and S. J. Mills appointed
secretaries. Mr. Goit, on taking the chair, delivered a patriotic speech, which
was frequently interrupted by outbursts of applause. He said the Government
should be sustained at all hazards, and the man who, in this emergency, opposed
the execution of the laws denounced as a traitor. On motion of J. M. Palmer a
committee, consisting of Messrs. Aaron Blackford. J. M. Palmer, A. P. Byal, W.
W. Siddall and Israel Green, was appointed to draft resolutions expressing the
sentiments of the meeting. During the absence of the committee the enthusiasm
was kept at fever heat by patriotic, soul-stirring music and speeches. The band
played "Hail Columbia." and "The Star Spangled Banner" was called for and sung
by Messrs. N. Y. Mefford, Dwella M. Stoughton and William Mungen, the large
audience rising and joining in the chorus. At the close of each verse cheer
after cheer was given by the assembled hundreds, till the very building seemed
to join in the enthusiastic patriotism of the people and echo back their
sentiments. James A. Bope made a brief speech denouncing treason and secession,
and calling upon all to rally around the flag. Amidst frequent applause William
Mungen declared himself "in favor of our country, right or wrong." The time, he
said, was now past for party questions, and as a Democrat of the strictest
school he asserted that in the present alarming condition of the country
political questions should be forgotten. William Gribben was the next speaker.
He said that armed traitors had conspired together for the destruction of our
Government; that our national flag had been insulted and trampled upon by the
enemies of our country; and declared the honor of the glorious old banner should
be upheld. By this time the committee had returned, and the following preamble
and resolutions were reported and adopted:

   WHEREAS, A band of armed traitors to the Government of the United States have
leagued together for the avowed purpose of overturning the Constitution and laws
of our beloved country, and to insult and strike down the ensign of our nation,
which has given to the American citizen ample protection at home and abroad, and
to our country consideration and dignity wherever its stars and stripes have
been seen and known; and whereas, in pursuance of such treasonable intent, those
traitors have once struck down that glorious flag, and now threaten with a
myrmidon host in arms to seize our national capital, to trail our nation's honor
in the dust and transform this free government into a cruel monarchy; Therefore,

   Resolved, That whatever differences of opinion have divided us in the past,
to-day we are united, and are animated by one purpose, and that is an unyielding
and undying devotion to the Union and determination to stand by the Government
and flag of our country. Living, we will stand shoulder to shoulder and fight in
their defense; dying, we bequeath this purpose to our children.

   Resolved, That in the present civil war, so wantonly begun by traitors now in
arms-against our Government, the only issue presented to every American citizen
is: Shall our constitional government stand against the rebel and revolutionary
force that now threatens its destruction? Or shall it yield to treason for a
despotism to be erected upon its ruins? "He that is not with us is against us."

    Resolved, That as our Revolutionary fathers, with a firm reliance on the
protection of Divine Providence, mutually pledged to each other their lives,
their fortunes, and their sacred honor for the purchase of those civil and
religious liberties by them transmitted to us, and that we have so long enjoyed;
we, their descendants, with a firm reliance upon the same Divine and
all-protecting Power, mutually make the same sacred pledge to each other for the
preservation and perpetuity of that inestimable inheritance by them bequeathed
to us.

   Upon the adoption of the foregoing resolutions, Judge Palmer addressed the
meeting in an eloquent speech full of patriotic devotion. James M. Neibling was
then called for, and began by saying that fourteen years before, when only a
boy, he shouldered his musket at the call of his country to assist in chastising
Mexican arrogance, and he was ready to go again if his country's cause demanded
his services. This declaration was received with unbounded applause. After some
further remarks on the necessity of united and immediate action, he presented
the roll of enlistment for volunteers, under the call of President Lincoln for
75,000 men, issued three days before. In a brief time seventy-two names were
down upon the roll, and the meeting then adjourned with cheers and expressions
of loyalty to the flag. The volunteers were formed into line by Colonel
Neibling, and, escorted by the band, marched down Main Street and disbanded, to
meet for another rally on Tuesday, April 23, which had been announced before the
adjournment of the meeting.

   The news went abroad for a grand rally at Findlay on that day, and never
before were so many people seen in the town. They came from every part of the
county, all seeming to be moved by the one pervading sentiment of loyalty.
Nothing was talked of but the defense and preservation of the Government, and in
this great cause none were more deeply enlisted than the old gray-headed
veterans who had so long enjoyed its blessings. Scores of pioneers publicly
declared their readiness to shoulder a musket and march to the defense of their
country. All seemed to be imbued with that same spirit of patriotic devotion and
sacrifice which nerved the Revolutionary fathers to win that glorious boon of
liberty we now enjoy. Party prejudice was set aside, and all labored together,
hand in hand, in that noble work of preserving the national honor.

   By this time three companies of volunteers had been raised in Hancock County,
which were afterward mustered into the Twenty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer
Infantry as Companies A, F and G. The officers of Company A were James Wilson,
captain; Dwella M. Stoughton, first lieutenant; George Foreman, second
lieutenant. Company F was officered by George F. Walker, captain; Morgan D.
Shafer, first lieutenant; Joseph E. Stearns, second lieutenant. Company F was
commanded by R. Henry Lovell, captain; Joshua S. Preble, first lieutenant: J. J.
A. Thrapp, second lieutenant. In the afternoon companies A and F were each
presented by the ladies of Findlay with a handsome flag. The presentation took
place in front of the Court House, in the presence of the large assemblage which
had come together on that day to attest their unswerving loyalty. Mrs. James M.
Neibling made the presentation speech, and the flags were respectively received
by Captains Wilson and Walker on behalf of their companies.

   The volunteers rendezvoused at the fair ground, then located in East Findlay
on the Mt. Blanchard road, which was dedicated as "Camp Neibling" in honor of
the gallant Col. James M. Neibling, who was ever foremost in promoting the good
cause, and who afterward commanded the Twenty-first Regiment on many a bloody
field. On the 25th of April Mrs. Mary Mungen, on behalf of the ladies of
Findlay, presented a flag to Company G; but on the following day a delegation of
ladies from McComb put in an appearance at Camp Neibling and presented another
flag to the same company, most of which command were from the northwest part of
the county. Miss Addie M. Price presented the beautiful banner, and Capt. Lovell
received it and responded in appropriate terms.

   On Saturday, April 27, a mass meeting was held at the Court House for the
purpose of arranging for a more thorough military organization of the county.
James M. Neibling was elected chairman, and Daniel B. Beardsley, secretary.
Speeches were made by Messrs. James M. Neibling, Aaron. Blackford and Abel F.
Parker, advocating the proposed measure; and committees were appointed in each
township to carry the project into effect. Meetings were soon afterward held in
nearly every township, military companies organized, and the patriotic ardor of
the people was unabated. Several companies of home guards were also formed,
consisting of men over forty-five years of age; but these organizations
subsequently disbanded, because the term "Home Guard" soon became one of
reproach, and was flippantly used to designate stay-at-homes, or a class who
were afraid to go into the army.

   Up to this period, $3,965 had been raised by private subscription as a
"Volunteer Aid Fund" for the families of volunteers, and the good work was still
going on. April 29, a "Volunteer Relief Committee" was organized to distribute
said fund, consisting of Messrs. William H. Wheeler, Israel Green, William C.
Cox, B. B. Barney and Ezra Brown. This organization did efficient work during
the first stages of the war, or until the "Military Committee" and "Soldiers'
Aid Society" took its place.

   The three companies at Camp Neibling were finally notified to prepare for
active duty, and Monday, May 6, Company A was ordered to Carey. It was escorted
to the depot by Companies F and G, headed by the two fire companies in uniform
and the Citizens' Band. A large crowd was at the depot to witness their
departure, and the scenes enacted, are still vividly remembered. As the train
moved slowly away, cheer after cheer was given by the assemblage for the
departing volunteers. Five days afterward Companies F and G left Findlay for
Cleveland via the Fremont & Indiana Railroad. They were escorted to the depot by
the Citizens' Band, and accompanied by nearly 2,000 people, who turned out en
masse to bid them God speed. Company A left Carey for Cleveland on the same day.
The three companies arrived at Camp Taylor the day of their departure, and were
soon after mustered into the Twenty-first Regiment, which had been organized at
Camp Taylor April 27, and James M. Neibling, of Findlay, was elected lieutenant
colonel. On the 22d of May, Companies A and F left Camp Taylor for Jackson
County, Ohio; whither the balance of the regiment followed on the 24th, and
subsequently went into camp near Gallipolis. The regiment did some service in
Western Virginia, part of it being engaged in the battle of Scarey Creek, but
its experience in the field was limited, and only preparatory for what was
coming. Cyrus Hemry, of Pleasant Township, who was drowned in the Ohio River,
and Eli S. Reed, of Findlay, commissary of the regiment, who died at Cincinnati,
were the only deaths which occurred in the companies from Hancock County during
their three months' service. The regiment remained in the field till its term of
service expired, and was mustered out at Columbus, Ohio. August 12, 1861.

   Toward the close of August a military rendezvous, named "Camp Vance," in
honor of Wilson Vance, of Findlay, was established for the Twenty-first Regiment
up the Blanchard River, on the Baker farm, and the companies recruiting for the
three years' service went into camp at that point. Here the regiment was
reorganized, and mustered in for three years September 19, 1861. Lieut-Col.
Neibling retained the same rank in the new organization; and Robert S. Mungen,
of Findlay, became quartermaster. Four companies from Hancock County were
mustered into the Twenty-first, viz.: Company A—captain, Dwella M. Stoughton;
first lieutenant, John A. Williams; second lieutenant, George Foreman. Company
B—captain, George F. Walker; first lieutenant, William Vance; second lieutenant,
Joseph E. Stearns. Company F—captain, Henry H. Alban; first lieutenant, John C.
Martin; second lieutenant, Alexander A. Monroe. Company G—captain, Isaac Cusac;
first lieutenant, James Porter; second lieutenant, Simon B. Webber. The regiment
left Findlay for Camp Dennison September 26, where it was supplied with arms,
and early in October marched into Kentucky. Its first engagement was at Ivy
Mountain, where the Union troops were commanded by Gen. Nelson, soon after which
the Federals returned to Louisville. The army was reorganized under Gen. Buell,
and the Twenty-first participated in the capture of Bowling Green, Ky., and
Nashville, Murfreesboro and Huntsville. Tenn. During the rebels' siege of
Nashville, in the fall of 1862, the regiment did such gallant service that Gen,
Rosecrans issued a special order complimenting it for its efficiency on the
grand guard around that city. From this time forward the Twenty-first followed
the fortunes of Rosecrans' army around Murfreesboro and Chattanooga. It fought
with great desperation and valor in the bloody battles of Stone River and
Chickamauga, Lieut. -Col. Stoughton being so severely wounded in the latter
fight that he died at Findlay, November 20, 1863, just two months after that
battle took place. The regiment retired with the army to Chattanooga, and
subsequently was present at the battle of Mission Ridge. In January, 1864,
almost the entire command, then numbering only about 300 men, veteranized, and
160 of the survivors from Hancock County returned to their homes on a thirty
days' furlough. After resting and recruiting the Twenty-first again took the
field and participated in the celebated Atlanta campaign, and subsequently in
Sherman's historic "march to the sea." Early in the Atlanta campaign, at New
Hope Church, May 28, Col. Neibling had his right arm so badly shattered that it
was afterward amputated, and he was honorably discharged from the service. Upon
the capture of Richmond and the surrender of the rebel armies under Lee and
Johnston, the Union army returned to Washington, where the Twenty-first was
present at the grand review May 26, 1865. It was mustered out of service at
Louisville, Ky., July 25, 1865, and thence proceeded to Columbus, Ohio, where,
on the 28th of July, it was paid off and discharged. Its unflinching bravery in
battle won for the Twenty-first the sobriquet of "The Fighting Regiment," and
the survivors of this command are proud of its brilliant record.

   The following officers from Hancock County served in the Twent-First
Regiment, from its reorganization for three years: James M. Neibling, mustered
in as lieutenant-colonel September 19, 1861; promoted to colonel December 20,
1862; lost right arm at the battle of New Hope Church, and was honorably
discharged December 6, 1864. In June, 1863, Col. Neibling was presented by his
regiment with a magnificent sword and spurs, costing nearly $500, as a mark of
their esteem and confidence in him as a commander. Robert Mungen, mustered in as
quartermaster September 19, 1861, subsequently became brigade quartermaster.
Dwella M. Stoughton, mustered in as captain September 19, 1861; promoted to
major October 3, 1862, and to lieutenant-colonel December 20, 1862; died at
Findlay November 20, 1863, of wounds received in the battle of Chickamauga.
George F. Walker, mustered in as captain September 19, 1861; promoted to major
December 20, 1862; resigned Jane 14, 1863. Henry H. Alban, mustered in as
captain September 19, 1861; honorably discharged March 8, 1865. Isaac Cusac,
mustered in as captain September 19, 1861; promoted to major February 29, 1864;
mustered out with the regiment. John A. Williams, mustered in as first
lieutenant September 19, 1861; resigned January 8, 1862. William Vance, mustered
in as first lieutenant September 19, 1861; resigned December 5, 1862. John C.
Martin, mustered in as first lieutenant September 19, 1861; promoted to captain
April 9, 1862; commission returned; again promoted to the same rank February 29,
1864, and to major July 12, 1865; mustered out with the regiment. James Porter,
mustered in as first lieutenant September 19, 1861, and mustered out September
20, 1864. George Foreman, mustered in as second lieutenant September 19, 1861;
promoted to first lieutenant February 3, 1862; honorably discharged September
11, 1862, and reinstated November 18, 1862. Joseph E. Stearns, mustered in as
second lieutenant September 19, 1861; promoted to first lieutenant February 3,
1862; commission revoked, and August 26, 1862, he was appointed by the President
assistant adjutant-general, with the rank of captain. Alexander A. Monroe,
mustered in as second lieutenant September 19, 1861; promoted to first
lieutenant December 5, 1862; resigned May 21, 1863. Simon B. Webber, mustered in
as second lieutenant September 19, 1861; resigned with same rank. Daniel Lewis,
promoted to second lieutenant February 8, 1862; to first lieutenant November 18,
1862; and to captain February 29, 1864, having also succeeded Robert S. Mungen,
as quartermaster; killed July 21, 1864. Robert S. Dillsworth, promoted to second
lieutenant March 1, 1862, and to first lieutenant June 13, 1863; killed June 27,
1864. Thomas B. Lamb, promoted to second lieutenant August 26, 1862, and to
first lieutenant February 29, 1864; resigned January 8, 1865. Daniel Richards,
promoted to second lieutenant November 18, 1862, and to first lieutenant
February 29, 1864; discharged January 31, 1865. Jacob L. Keller, promoted to
second lieutenant December 5, 1862; to first lieutenant February 29,1864, and to
captain May 11,1865; mustered out with the regiment. Wilson J. Vance, promoted
to second lieutenant May 2, 1863, and to first lieutenant December 30,1863;
resigned April 2,1864. Wilson W. Brown, promoted to second lieutenant May 13,
1863, and to first lieutenant January 20, 1865; discharged as an enlisted man.
John E. Porter, promoted to second lieutenant June 13, 1863, and to first
lieutenant January 28, 1865; declined last promotion,  and was mustered out
March 31, 1865. James Blakely, promoted to second lieutenant September 14, 1863;
killed September 20, 1863, at Chickamauga. William Welker, promoted to second
lieutenant February 29, 1864; to first lieutenant January 28, 1865, and to
captain May 18, 1865; mustered out as second lieutenant May 15, 1865. Christian
B. Sholty, promoted to second lieutenant February 29, 1864; to first lieutenant
February 10, 1865, and to captain July 12, 1865; mustered out with regiment.   
David McClintock, promoted to second lieutenant February 29, 1864; to first
lieutenant February 10, 1865, and to captain July 12, 1865; mustered out as
first lieutenant. John H. Bolton, promoted to first lieutenant May 18, 1865, and
to captain July 12, 1865;mustered out with regiment. Robert F. Bonham, Philip
Wilch, Quincy A. Randall and Jeremiah E. Milhoof were all promoted to first
lieutenants July 12, 1865; mustered out with the regiment. Bonham declined
promotion. Squire J. Carlin, promoted to captain July 12, 1865; mustered out
with the regiment.

   The Thirty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry comes next in the order of time,
being organized at Camp Chase in August, 1861, with Moses B. Walker, of Findlay,
as colonel of the regiment. The Thirty-first, however, had only a few men from
Hancock County, and its history is not regarded with much interest by the people
of this portion of the State. Besides Col. Walker, his nephew, Capt. George F.
Walker, of Findlay, formerly of the Twenty-first Regiment, was appointed to a
captaincy in the Thirty-first January 11, 1864, and promoted to major June 20,
1865. The regiment made a good record, and its deeds of valor are fully
mentioned in Reid's "Ohio in the War." Col. Walker was mustered out with his
regiment as brevet brigadier-general of volunteers July 20, 1865, and
subsequently retired with the rank of lieutenant-colonel in the regular army.

   The Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry received one full company from
Hancock County, commanded by Albert Langworthy, captain; Samuel P. Gray, first
lieutenant, and James "W. Davidson, second lieutenant. The regiment was
organized at Camp Noble, near Tiffin. Ohio, in August, 1861, and besides the
company raised at Findlay, it received a good many recruits into other
companies. Captain Langworthy' s command was mustered in as Company A. August
22, 1861, and left with the regiment for Camp Dennison September 10, where the
men were equipped. The Forty-ninth reported to Gen. Robert Anderson at
Louisville, Ky., September 22, and the same evening took cars for Lebanon
Junction to join the forces then under Gen. W. T. Sherman. Its first skirmish
with the rebels took place in December, on Green River, where the regiment went
into camp and remained till the following February, when it marched to Bowling
Green, Ky., and Nashville, Tenn. Here it went into camp till the 16th of March,
1862, when it moved with Buell's army to join Grant at Pittsburg Landing, and
participated in the second day's fight. It took part in the seige of Corinth,
and was engaged in. duty in that vicinity until the movement after Bragg's army,
which was then threatening Louisville and Cincinnati, was inaugurated. From
Louisville the regiment moved with the army in pursuit of Bragg, and was with
the advance that raised the seige of Nashville. The Forty-ninth served under
Rosecrans in his movements around Murfreesboro and Chattanooga, and lost many of
its brave officers and men in that campaign. At the battle of Chickamauga the
regiment was commanded by Maj. Samuel F. Gray, and did gallant service. The army
under Rosecrans was then shut up in Chattanooga till the defeat of the rebels at
Mission Ridge, where the Forty-ninth was conspicuous for its gallantry.
Immediately after this battle the regiment moved with the corps sent to the
relief of Knoxville; but ere reaching that point learned that the rebels were
repulsed, and after a long, severe march, returned to Chattanooga. Here most of
the regiment re-enlisted and returned to Ohio on furlough, the survivors of
Company A arriving at Findlay February 11, 1864. On the expiration of their
furlough the brave boys of the Forty-ninth again took the field, the regiment
strengthened by hundreds of new recruits. The movement against Atlanta soon
afterward began, the Forty-ninth taking an active part in that campaign, and
suffering severe loss in the bloody battles fought around Atlanta. When Sherman
commenced his "march to the sea," the Army of the Cumberland, to which the
Forty-ninth belonged, was left to look after Hood, whom it defeated at Franklin
and Nashville. Upon the close of this campaign the regiment was sent, via New
Orleans, to Texas, mustered out at Victoria November 30, 1865, and subsequently
discharged at Camp Chase, Ohio.

   The following citizens from Hancock County served in the Forty-ninth as
commissioned officers: Albert Langworthy, elected captain August 22, 1861;
resigned June 22, 1862. Benjamin S. Porter, elected captain August 24, 1861;
promoted to major September 30, 1862. and to lieutenaat-colonel January 1, 1863
; appointed major in invalid corps July 2, 1863. Amos Keller, elected captain
August 24, 1861; killed at Stone River January 1, 1863, Samuel F. Gray, elected
first lieutenant August 22, 1861; promoted to captain January 9, 1862; to major
January 1, 1863, and to lieutenant-colonel October 4, 1863 : resigned October 4,
 1864. James W. Davidson, elected second lieutenant August 22, 1861; promoted to
first lieutenant January 9, 1862; resigned July 27, 1863. Thomas J. Ray,
promoted to second lieutenant June 30, 1862; to first lieatenant June 24, 1863,
and to captain August 11, 1864; mustered out with regiment. Charles Wallace,
promoted to second lieutenant June 24, 1863, and to first lieutenant May 9,
1864; killed at Kenesaw June 21, 1864. George S. Crawford, promoted to second
lieutenant July 27, 1863; to first lieutenant May 9, 1864, and to captain
December 21, 1864; mustered out with the regiment at Victoria, Tex.

   The Fifty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, like the Twenty-first, was largely
recruited in Hancock County, and also partially organized at Camp Vance, near
Findlay. William Mungen, of Findlay, was also the first colonel of the regiment,
and largely instrumental in raising it; while Dr. William D. Carlin, of Findlay,
was its second surgeon. Recruiting commenced September 16, 1861, and was pushed
forward rapidly. Companies F, G and H were raised in Hancock County and also a
portion of Company B. The officers of Company F, when mustered into service,
were captain, John B. May; first lieutenant, Daniel Gilbert; second lieutenant,
Edmund W. Firmin. Those of Company G were captain, James Wilson; first
lieutenant, John W. Wheeler; second lieutenant, John Adams. Of Company H were
captain, Patrick Kilkenny (of Toledo); first lieutenant, Hiram E. Henderson;
second lieutenant, Oliver Mungen. The regiment left Findlay for Camp Chase
January 22, 1862, where its organization was completed on the 10th of February.
Eight days afterward the regiment left Camp Chase and reported at Paducah, Ky.,
where it was assigned to the Army of the Tennessee. From Paducah the
Fifty-seventh went to Fort Henry, thence to Savannah, Tenn., and soon afterward
arrived at Pittsburg Landing. It did duty in that vicinity on several
reconnoissances; but its first appearance in battle was at Pittsburg Landing
April 6 and 7, 1862, where its valor was fully tested and not found wanting. On
the next day the Fifty-seventh was engaged with Forrest's Cavalry at Pea Ridge,
and came out victorious. From this time up to January, 1864, the regiment was
engaged in the following battles and skirmishes: Russell House, siege of
Corinth, Morning Sun, Coldwater, Hernando, Wolf Creek Bridge, Chickasaw Bayou,
Arkansas Post, Clay Farm, Boiling Fork, Haines' Bluff, Snyder's Bluff, Champion
Hill, Messenger's Ford, Raymond, Black River, Mechanicsburg, Vicksburg, Jackson,
Tuscumbia, Mission Ridge and the relief of Knoxville. On the 1st of January,
1864, the Fifty-seventh re-enlisted as veterans, and about a month afterward
started for Ohio on furlough, those from Hancock County arriving at home on the
13th of February. After resting, the regiment rendezvoused at Camp Chase, where
it received 207 recruits. It arrived at Nashville, March 29, 1864. and the next
month rejoined its brigade, at Larkinsville, Ala. The regiment participated in
the Atlanta campaign, and was almost constantly engaged with the enemy in the
many sanguinary battles fought in that vicinity. The regiment left Atlanta with
Sherman's army on its "march to the sea," and shared in the glory of that
achievement. After the surrender of Johnston, it marched from Petersburg and
Richmond to Washington, and was present at the grand review May 26, 1865. On the
2d of June the Fifty-seventh was ordered to Louisville, Ky., and subsequently
proceeded from Louisville to Little Rock, Ark. It was mustered out of service at
Little Rock August 14, and on the 25th was paid off and discharged at Tod
Barracks, Columbus, Ohio, The names of 1,594 men are on its muster rolls, but of
that number only 243 were present to be mustered out at the close of the war.
The remnants of its battle-torn flags at Columbus, faded in color, but bright in
glorious suggestions of the scenes through which they passed, tell the history
of this gallant command.

   The officers of the Fifty- seventh Regiment from Hancock County were as
follows: William Mungen, appointed lieutenant-colonel September 27, 1861, and
colonel December 16, 1861; resigned April 16, 1863. Dr. "William D. Carlin,
appointed surgeon May 26, 1862; died December 26, 1862. James Wilson, elected
captain January 4, 1862; honorably discharged April 12, 1865. John W. Wheeler,
elected first lieutenant January 4, 1862; promoted to captain December 31, 1862;
honorably discharged March 28, 1864. John Adams, elected second lieutenant
January 4, 1862; resigned April 27, 1864. John B. May, elected captain January
10, 1862; resigned January 30, 1863. Daniel Gilbert, elected first lieutenant
January 10, 1862; promoted to captain January 30, 1863; honorably discharged
November 18,1863. Edmund W. Firmin, elected second lieutenant January 10, 1862;
promoted to first lieutenant January 30, 1863, and to captain August 16, 1864;
declined captaincy, and was mustered out at expiration of service. Hiram E.
Henderson, commissioned first lieutenant February 17, 1862; promoted to captain
April 22, 1862; honorably discharged August 31, 1863. Oliver Mungen,
commissioned second lieutenant February 17, 1862; promoted to first lieutenant
April 22, 1862; resigned February 9, 1863. Squire Johnson, promoted to second
lieutenant August 19, 1862; to first lieutenant May 9, 1864; to captain February
10, 1865, and to major August 16, 1865; mustered out with regiment. John M.
Jordan, promoted to second lieutenant November 27, 1862, and to first lieutenant
May 9, 1864; mustered out at expiration of service. Jacob E. Tussing, promoted
to first lieutenant December 31, 1862, and to captain May 9, 1864; declined
captaincy, and was mustered out at expiration of service. W. Cramer Good,
promoted to second lieutenant January 30, 1863, and to first lieutenant May 9,
1864; declined latter promotion, and was mustered out at expiration of service.
James McCauley, promoted to first lieutenant January 18, 1865, and to captain
August 10, 1865; mustered out with regiment. George Trichler, promoted to first
lieutenant January 18, 1865, and to captain August 10, 1865; mustered out with
regiment. Jasper T. Rickets, promoted to first lieutenant August 10, 1865;
mustered out with regiment. Ezra Hipsher and Aaron Glottheart, promoted to
second lieutenancies August 10, 1865, and mustered out with the regiment at
Little Rock, Ark. All of the foregoing officers are well remembered, and some of
them are yet living in the county.

   The Sixty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry was one of the regiments included in
the brigade raised at Mansfield, Ohio, by the Hon. John Sherman. It was
organized at Camp Buckingham, near Mansfield, October 3, 1861, and mustered into
service on the 1st of December following: One company was raised in Hancock
County for this regiment, of which Joshua S. Preble was captain; Joseph M.
Randall, first lieutenant, and John C. Matthias, second lieutenant. It was
mustered in as Company K, with the foregoing officers in command. The
Sixty-fifth left Mansfield, December 18, 1861, for Louisville, Ky., and was on
duty in that State till going to Nashville, Tenn., in March, 1862. From
Nashville it marched to Savannah; thence by steamer to Pittsburg Landing, where
it arrived on the afternoon of the second day's fight, but did not become
actively engaged. It was under fire almost constantly at the siege of Corinth;
and upon the evacuation of that city by the rebels, was engaged in guarding the
Tennessee River, until it marched northward in pursuit of Bragg and the defense
of Louisville. The regiment soon after returned to Nashville, where the army was
reorganized under Gen. Rosecrans. In the advance on Murfreesboro the regiment
was hotly engaged at Stone River, losing many of its commissioned officers and
men in that engagement. In June, 1863, the Sixty-fifth moved from Murfreesboro
to the vicinity of Chattanooga, and the following September participated in the
terrible battle of Chickamauga. It was subsequently engaged in the battle of
Mission Ridge. During the several battles of the Atlanta campaign the regiment
was almost constantly under fire until the evacuation of Atlanta, when it went
into camp at that city. From Atlanta it moved in pursuit of Hood, was engaged at
Spring Hill, and took part in the bloody battles of Franklin and Nashville, and
the subsequent pursuit of the rebel army across the Tennessee. From Nashville
the Sixty-fifth went to New Orleans, and thence to San Antonio, Tex., where it
performed garrison duty till December 16, 1865, when it was mustered out. It was
then ordered to Camp Chase, Ohio, where the men were paid off and discharged on
the 2d of January, 1866.

   The commissioned officers from this county who served in the Sixty-fifth were
as follows: Joshua S. Preble, elected captain November 17, 1861; resigned April
14, 1862. Joseph M. Randall, elected first lieutenant November 17, 1861;
promoted to captain October 7, 1862; mustered out January 19, 1865. John C.
Matthias, elected second lieutenant November 17, 1861; promoted to first
lieutenant May 11, 1862, and to captain February 20, 1863; resigned November 17,
1864. Christian M. Bush, promoted to second-lieutenant March 30, 1863; to first
lieutenant June 14, 1864, and to captain December 9, 1864; mustered out with
regiment. John Kanel, promoted to first lieutenant November 26, 1864, and
mustered out with the regiment at Camp Chase.

   A Company of Independent Sharp-shooters was recruited principally from the
southern part of Hancock County, in the fall of 1861, and subsequently attached
to the Sixty-sixth Illinois Infantry as Company H. It participated in the
following engagements and skirmishes prior to the Atlanta campaign: Tuscumbia,
Danville, Eienzi, Blackland, Jumpertown, Hatchie River, Boonville and
Whiteside's farm. In December, 1863, they re-enlisted as veterans, and early in
1864 came home on furlough. They returned to the field in time for the Atlanta
campaign, and took part in the many battles fought around that city. The
Sharp-shooters also formed a part of Sherman's army on the "march to the sea,"
and served in the campaign of the Carolinas. They were mustered out at
Louisville, Ky., July 15, 1865, and paid and discharged at Camp Dennison, Ohio.
James Waltermire, John Pifer, James Cox and William N. Watson, of Hancock
County, served as lieutenants in this command, which did much efficient service
from the date of its organization until the close of the rebellion.

   The Eighty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry was a three-months organization,
recruited in the spring of 1862, with Columbus as its point of rendezvous. Early
in June a company of volunteers left Findlay for Camp Chase, and were mustered
into the Eighty-seventh as Company D. Samuel Huber and Philip Ford, of Findlay,
were respectively captain and first lieutenant, the second lieutenant, with a
portion of the company, being from another county. The chaplain of the regiment,
Rev. George D. Oviatt, was also from Hancock County. On the 12th of June the
regiment was ordered to Baltimore, Md., and went into camp near that city.
Toward the close of July it repaired to Harper's Ferry, where it remained till
the expiration of its term of service. In the meantime the rebels captured the
national forces at this point, but on learning that the Eighty-seventh was no
longer in the service, the men were released from their paroles, and the
regiment sent home and mustered out at Camp Chase, September 20, 1862.

   The Ninety-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry was organized at Camp Lima, Allen
County, and mustered into service August 26, 1862. Albert Lang-worthy, of
Findlay, formerly captain in the Forty-ninth Eegiment, was commissioned as
colonel of the Ninety-ninth. The surgeon, Dr. J. T. Woods, was also from this
county. Two companies, D and G, were recruited in Hancock and mustered in with
the following officers: Company D, captain, James A. Bope; first lieutenant,
James Harsh; second lieutenant, William C. Kelley. Company G, captain, Oliver P.
Capelle; first lieutenant, Charles G. Barnd; second lieutenant, Josiah Moorhead.
Robert B. Drake, of Allen County, recruited quite a number of men from the
southwest part of this county, who were mustered into Company B. These companies
began recruiting in July, 1862, and on the 16th of August left Findlay for Camp
Lima. The regiment left Lima August 31, under orders for Kentucky, where it did
service in the defense of Louisville and subsequent pursuit of Bragg's army. It
then moved to Nashville, Tenn., and took position near that city. The battle of
Stone River was its first severe engagement, and its next was Chickamauga. It
participated in the capture of Lookout Mountain, and on the following day was
engaged at Mission Ridge. In May, 1864, the Ninety-ninth started on the Atlanta
campaign, in which it was under fire almost daily, and made a record for bravery
and endurance highly creditable to its officers and men. On the 1st of October,
1864, the brigade to which the Ninety-ninth belonged started in pursuit of Hood
on his Nashville campaign. For a few weeks it was cut off from communication
with the main army tinder Thomas, but December 10 joined the army at Nashville
and participated in the defeat and pursuit of Hood. It pursued the retreating
enemy as far as Columbia, Tenn., where it was consolidated with the Fiftieth
Ohio Regiment, and the Ninety-ninth ceased to be an organization. The regimental
colors were forwarded to Gov. Brough, who acknowledged their reception in a
highly complimentary letter. The officers and men of the gallant Ninety-ninth
felt deeply chagrined over the consolidation and loss of their regimental
number, the consolidated commands retaining the name of the Fiftieth Ohio
Volunteer Infantry. But there was no redress, and the brave boys of the
Ninety-ninth bore the change like soldiers—always obedient to the commands of
their superior officers. The war, however, was now drawing to a close, and the
regiment took part in no battles after the consolidation. It was mustered out of
service at Salisbury, N. C., June 26. 1865, and July 17 arrived at Camp
Dennison, Ohio, where it was paid and discharged. At the soldiers' reunions held
since the war, the Ninety- ninth has always appeared under its own regimental
number, and its veterans do not care to be classed with the Fiftieth.

   The following commissioned officers from Hancock County served in these
regiments: Albert Langworthy, commissioned colonel August 11, 1862; dismissed
from the service by the Governor of Ohio in September on a false charge, and
after two years' investigation was acquitted and honorably discharged, September
4, 1864. Dr. J. T. Woods, appointed surgeon August 19, 1862; mustered out with
the Fiftieth. Oliver P. Capelle, elected captain July 12, 1862; died January 8,
1863, from wounds received at Stone River. James A. Bope, elected captain July
23, 1862; promoted to lieutenant-colonel of the Fiftieth April 10, 1865, and
mustered out with that regiment. Charles Gr. Barnd, elected first lieutenant
July 10, 1862; promoted to captain December 25, 1862; resigned September 27,
1864. James Harsh, elected first lieutenant July 23, 1862; resigned November 16,
1862. William C. Kelley, elected second lieutenant July 23, 1862; resigned
November 26, 1862. Josiah Moorhead, elected second lieutenant August 7, 1862;
promoted to first lieutenant January 8, 1863; mustered out with the Fiftieth
Regiment. William B. Richards, promoted to second lieutenant November 16, 1862;
to first lieutenant on the same date, and to captain November 3, 1864;
transferred to the Fiftieth Regiment as first lieutenant and again promoted to
captain April 10, 1865; mustered out with that regiment. William Zay, promoted
to second lieutenant November 16, 1862, and to first lieutenant November 3,
1864; mustered out with the Fiftieth Regiment. Daniel J. McConnell, promoted to
second lieutenant January 5, 1863, and to first lieutenant November 3, 1864;
mustered out December 31, 1864. David S. Blakeman, promoted to second lieutenant
in the Fiftieth April 10, 1865; mustered out with that regiment June 26,1865.
The One Hundred and Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry was organized at Camp
Lima, Allen County, in August and September, 1862. Here it was joined September
1 by a company from Hancock County, under the command of Capt. Samuel Howard;
first lieutenant, Darius Pendleton; second lieutenant, Milton B. Patterson; was
mustered into the regiment as Company Gr. Quite a number of men were also
recruited in this county by Martin L. Higgins, who were mustered into Company K,
with Higgins as first lieutenant. The regiment left Camp Lima in September,
1862, for Cincinnati, then threatened by Kirby Smith, where it was mustered into
the service. It soon afterward moved into central Kentucky, and performed much
important patrol duty in that State up to the 20th of August, 1863, when it set
out on the march for east Tennessee, reaching Kingston November 10. After the
victories of Mission Ridge and Knoxville, the regiment moved to Nashville. On
the 29th of December it participated in a brief but stubborn engagement at Mossy
Creek, where the regiment exhibited great gallantry, losing forty killed and
wounded in two-hours. From this to the beginning of the Atlanta campaign nothing
of special interest occurred in the fortunes of the One Hundred and Eighteenth.
Early in May. 1864, the movement on Atlanta commenced, and this regiment
participated in the many victories and final triumphs of that brilliant
campaign. Upon the fall of Atlanta the regiment joined in the pursuit of Hood
toward Nashville, took a prominent part in the desperate battle of Franklin and
was also engaged at Nashville, and in the subsequent pursuit of the defeated
rebel army as far as Columbia, whence it went to Clifton. Here it received
orders to proceed to North Carolina, and January 16, 1865, the brigade embarked
on a steamer for Cincinnati, and there took cars for Washington, D. C. From
Alexandria it took steamer to Smithville, landed and moved immediately on Fort
Anderson, which was captured, the One Hundred and Eighteenth being the first
regiment to plant its colors on the walls. It was next engaged at Town Creek,
entered Wilmington February 22, thence proceeded to Kingston and Goldsboro,
where, on the 23d of March, the brigade joined Sherman's army. The regiment
participated in the final movements against Johnston, and was mustered out at
Salisbury, N. C., June 24, 1865. It arrived at Cleveland, Ohio, July 2, and
seven days after the command received its final discharge and returned to their
homes.

   The following citizens of Hancock County served as commissioned officers in
the One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment: Samuel Howard, elected captain, August
16, 1862; resigned April 1, 1864. Darius Pendleton, elected first lieutenant,
August 16, 1862; resigned April 19, 1863. Milton B. Patterson, elected second
lieutenant, August 16, 1862, promoted to first lieutenant, April 17, 1863;
honorably discharged, May 24, 1865. Martin L. Higgins, elected first lieutenant,
July 23, 1862; resigned, March 24, 1863; John Eckels, promoted to second
lieutenant, April 17, 1863; died, July 1, 1864. Joel Eckels, promoted to second
lieutenant, February 1, 1864, and to first lieutenant, October 12, 1864;
mustered out with the regiment.

   In September, 1862, the threatened invasion of Cincinnati by the rebels under
Gen. Kirby Smith, brought out a call from the Governor of Ohio for the citizens
of the State to come to the rescue. About 250 men from Hancock County responded
to the call. As these volunteers were equipped with all sorts of fire-arms, they
became officially known as the "Squirrel Hunters." The timely arrival of these
patriots from every portion of the State, doubtless averted the invasion and
saved Cincinnati, and ere the thirty days for which they were called out had
expired most of them had returned to their homes. Theirs, it is true, was a
bloodless victory, but the "Squirrel Hunters" of Ohio nevertheless deserve
credit for their prompt and patriotic response when danger threatened their State.

The First Ohio Volunteer Heavy Artillery had one company (L) from this county,
commanded by Capt. Joshua S. Preble; first lieutenant, Ebenezer Wilson, and
second lieutenant, John Foreman. The One Hundred and Seventeenth Ohio Volunteer
Infantry formed the nucleus of this regiment, being changed from infantry to
artillery by an order issued from the war department May 2, 1863. During its
recruitment it was engaged in constructing fortifications around Covington and
Newport, Ky., for the protection of Cincinnati. The reorganization was completed
August 12, 1863, and the regiment remained in Kentucky till early in 1864, when
it was ordered to Knoxville, Tenn. Throughout the year 1864 and the winter of
1864-65, the regiment was almost constantly engaged on expeditions against the
rebel cavalry infesting east Tennessee and North Carolina. In the spring of
1865, the brigade to which this regiment then belonged moved toward Virginia and
North Carolina, and continued to guard the mountain passes until the surrender
of Lee and Johnston. It soon afterward returned to Greenville, Tenn., where the
regiment camped till July 15, when it started homeward, and on the 25th of July
was mustered out at Knoxville, Tenn. It was paid and discharged at Camp
Dennison, Ohio, August 1, 1865. All of the officers from this county served
until the close of the war. The Twelfth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry was recruited
during September and October, 1863, and mustered into the service at Camp
Taylor, near Cleveland, November 24, following. Most of Company G was raised in
Hancock County, by Alexander A. Monroe and Eli N. Flaisig, who became
respectively captain and second lieutenant of that company. In November one-half
the regiment was sent to Johnson s Island, where it was engaged in doing guard
duty during the winter of 1863-64. In the spring of the latter year the regiment
moved from Camp Dennison, where it was mounted, armed and equipped, to
Louisville, Ky.; thence to Lexington and Mt. Sterling. In May, 1864, it formed a
portion of the command that started on the first Saltville. Tenn., raid, but
eight days afterward the Twelfth returned in pursuit of Morgan, who was making a
raid into Kentucky. The rebels under Morgan were encountered at Mt. Sterling and
Cynthiana, and scattered in every direction, the regiment pursuing the fleeing
enemy for three days. It soon afterward came up with another guerrilla band at
Lebanon, and completely routed it. In September the Twelfth started on a second
raid to Saltville, where the regiment was engaged in some hard fighting. On the
third raid to Saltville the rebels, after forty hours' fighting, were defeated
at every point, and the salt works and immense quantities of stores, etc.,
subsequently captured and destroyed. In the spring of 1865 the regiment formed a
part of Gen. Stoneman' s raiding expedition into North Carolina, thence through
South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama, aiding in the capture of Jefferson Davis,
and, capturing the rebel generals, Bragg and "Wheeler, •with their escorts. The
regiment was then sent into Tennessee, the several companies being scattered
over that State enforcing law and order, and finally rendezvousing at Nashville,
where it was mustered out November 14, 1865. Proceeding to Camp Chase, Ohio, it
was there paid and discharged, after two years of incessant service. Capt.
Monroe was promoted from this regiment as major of the One Hundred and
Twenty-second Colored Infantry, and Lieut. Flaisig was discharged February 26,
1864. These were the only commissioned officers from Hancock County who went out
in the Twelfth Ohio Cavalry.

   The Ohio National Guards were called out for 100 days' service April 24,
1864. There were four companies forming the Fifty-eighth Battalion in Hancock
County, viz.: A, B, C and D, all of which reported at Camp Chase May 5, 1864.
The following day they were mustered into three different regiments. Company A
was taken into the One Hundred and Sixty-first Regiment, George Foreman,
captain; Henry B. Green, second lieutenant. Companies B and D were consolidated
with the One Hundred and Thirty-third Regiment, James Waltermire, John Romick
and Robert S. Boyles being mustered in as first lieutenants, and Jefferson H.
Darrah and William H. Zarbaugh, second lieutenants. Company C was consolidated
with the One Hundred and Thirty-fourth regiment, and its men distributed among
several companies of that command, its captain, Samuel Biggs, subsequently
becoming first lieutenant through the resignation of another officer. The
remaining officers of the Fifty-eighth Battalion, who were thus knocked out of
their positions, either returned home or went into the ranks, except Rev. Jacob
B. Dunn, who was appointed chaplain of the regiment. Considerable feeling was
manifested at the time, and much dissatisfaction afterward existed among the
companies from this county because of their separation; but they were forced to
submit to the orders of the higher authorities, and soon became reconciled to
their position.

   The One Hundred and Thirty-third Regiment (0. N. G.) was mustered in at Camp
Chase, May 6, 1864, and immediately ordered into West Virginia, where it
remained on duty till June 7, when it proceeded to Washington, D. C., and thence
to Bermuda Hundred. On the 17th of July the regiment embarked for Fort
Powhattan, on the James River. Here it was employed in various important duties
until August 10, when it returned to Washington, and thence to Camp Chase, where
it was mustered out of service August 20, 1864.

   The One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Regiment (O. N. G.) was mustered into the
service at Camp Chase, May 6. 1864, and the next day moved for Cumberland, Va.
On the 6th of June it started to Washington, D. C., and thence proceeded to
White House, on the Pamunkey River, but on its arrival was at once ordered to
City Point. The regiment had its first and only engagement with the rebels at
Port Walthall during the assault on Petersburg, where the men displayed
admirable coolness under fire. For seventy days the regiment formed a portion of
the advanced lines operating on Richmond, and was engaged in intrenching and
picket duty. Its term of service having expired, it returned to Camp Chase,
where it was mustered out August 31, 1864.

   The One Hundred and Sixty-first Regiment (0. N. G.) was mustered into the
service at Camp Chase, May 9, 1864, and left on the same day for Cumberland, Md.
It soon afterward moved to Martinsburg, W. Va., and early in June a part of the
regiment was sent up to the Shenandoah Valley with the supply train to Hunter's
army. After turning over the supplies the detachment returned to Martinsburg,
bringing back safely a long wagon train, many sick and wounded from the army,
and several hundred prisoners and contrabands, the entire distance marched being
nearly 500 miles. From Martinsburg the regiment fell back to Maryland Heights,
where skirmishing with the enemy commenced and continued two days. It assisted
in defending the Heights until the rebels were driven from the Shenandoah
Valley. On the 25th of August, 1864, the regiment was ordered to Ohio, and
mustered out at Camp Chase on the 2d of September following.

   The One Hundred and Ninety-Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry was organized at
Camp Chase, March 10, 1865. Moses Louthan and Jefferson H. Darrah, of Hancock
County, having each recruited in this county nearly a company of men for the One
Hundred and Ninety-second, were respectively elected captain of Company H and I.
On the 12th of March, 1865, the regiment left for the front and were first
stationed near Harper's Ferry, Va. The regiment was engaged in picket duty near
Harper's Ferry and on the Shenandoah River, subsequently moving to the vicinity
of Winchester, Va. Upon the surrender of Lee the regiment moved to Stevenson
Station; thence to Jordan Springs, and afterward encamped at Reed's Hill, above
Winchester, until ordered to be mustered out, which occurred at Winchester,
September 1, 1865. It arrived at Columbus. Ohio, two days afterward, and on the
6th of September was paid and discharged at Camp Chase. Though the end of the
war, coming soon after this regiment took the field, cut it off from much active
service, it nevertheless stood high for drill, discipline and efficiency, and
many of its men were scarred veterans who had faced the enemy on many a well
contested battle-field.

   The foregoing commands are those wherein the soldiers from Hancock County
mainly served; but several additional regiments from Ohio and other States
contained some Hancock County boys. In fact she was represented in every arm of
the service, and her gallant sons did honor to their country on many a bloody
field. Among others from Hancock, who served as commissioned officers in
commands not previously mentioned, were the following: Dr. Samuel S. Mills,
surgeon of the Fourth Michigan Artillery; Lieut. John T. Carlin served in the
Eighty-second Regiment, and also on Gen. Sigel's staff; Abraham F. McCurdy and
Nat W. Filkin, each served as captain and major of the Tenth Ohio Volunteer
Cavalry, which also contained a few men from this county. But it is not the
intention here to follow the fortunes of these outside commands, as the history
of Hancock County in the war is set forth in the sketches of those regiments
wherein the great majority of her soldiers fought—hundreds of them laying down
their lives that a free and united nation might live.

   Up to September 1, 1862, the number of volunteers from this county by
townships, as returned by the assessors, was as follows: Allen, 65; Amanda, 16;
Big Lick, 47; Blanchard, 100; Cass, 46; Delaware, 74; Eagle, 50; Findlay, 247;
Jackson, 51; Liberty, 63; Madison, 59; Marion, 44; Orange, 61; Pleasant 70;
Portage, 42; Union, 93; Van Buren, 31; Washington, 101; total, 1,260. Under all
of the subsequent calls each township had to furnish a certain designated number
of men, and the county always filled her quota, though the draft had finally to
be resorted to during the later stages of the war, as men were then so scarce
that even large bounties failed to fill up the quotas of the several townships.
Including every branch of the service, Hancock County furnished to the Union
cause nearly 3,000 as brave men as ever carried a musket, and about two-thirds
of that number served throughout the greater portion of the war. Her soldiers
displayed a spirit of valor unsurpassed in history, while their courage,
fortitude and self-sacrifice were worthy of the glorious cause for which they
fought.

   From 1861 to 1865 the local work at home of encouraging enlistments and
assisting the families of soldiers went steadily on.    In June, 1862, the
county commissioners passed an act allowing each dependent wife or parent of
volunteers $8 per month, and each child under fifteen years of age $2 per month.
The following September the monthly allowance of wife or parent was fixed at $4.
Belief was afforded only to the families of noncommissioned officers and
privates, and then only in cases of actual necessity. In February, 1862, the
General Assembly passed an act for the relief of families of volunteers, by
which a tax was levied on all taxable property, and a larger, more thorough and
systematic relief was afforded. Under this act $38,070 were expended by the
county among the families of soldiers during the years 1862, 1863, 1864 and
1865; and from that time until February, 1868, when the last order was redeemed,
$8,503 additional were paid out. In October, 1861, a "Military Committee" was
appointed in this county, consisting of Edson Goit, James A. Bope, J. S.
Patterson. J. B. Rothchild and J. F. Perkey. A thorough military organization of
the county was effected, and sub-committees appointed in each township to aid
and encourage volunteering, and solicit contributions of underclothing, etc.,
for the "boys" in the field. The military committee appointed in this county in
1862, was Edson Goit, James A. Bope, W. G. Baker and Joel Markle; and in 1864 it
was Henry Brown, Edson Goit, J. B. Rothchild, J. S. Patterson and J. F. Perkey.
In every county of the State these committees did a noble work, and for their
untiring efforts to sustain the Government and comfort its brave soldiers during
the darkest period of the war deserve the highest praise. The soldiers' aid
societies were among the most popular and efficient local institutions of the
county, and the ladies of these societies did a great deal of good in gathering
and forwarding sanitary supplies to hospital and camp. In fact the patriotic
women of the county did their full share toward crushing the mightiest rebellion
in the history of the world.

   When the news that Richmond was captured spread over the county, it created
the most intense excitement, but it was one of joy. Bell-ringing, hand-shaking
and congratulations were the order of the day. The citizens turned out en masse;
bonfires were lighted in every town and village, and an undercurrent of deep
thankfulness pervaded the entire community. All hailed the good news as a
harbinger of peace, and happiness filled every loyal heart. With the fall of the
rebel capital the war was comparatively at an end; and, though Lee struggled
bravely to save his army from the iron grasp of Grant, its fate was sealed. On
the 9th of April, 1865, he surrendered to Grant at Appomattox Court House, and
nine days afterward Johnston gave up his army to Sherman. Throughout the North
the news of these glorious successes of the Union arms was received with
unbounded enthusiasm, and heartfelt prayers were offered to the God of battles,
who in His infinite mercy had vouchsafed such a brilliant ending to the long
turmoil of civil strife. After four years of bloody war—after the sacrifice of
hundreds of thousands of gallant men and millions of treasure, the great
rebellion was at an end, the Government preserved, and freedom perpetuated.

   The following poem, found by the writer, uncredited, in one of the local
papers of Findlay, aptly illustrates the feeling of the people at the close of
the war:

VICTORY.

When God gave us Richmond, and victory o'er Lee,
  The dark "clouds of war, like a scroll, rolled away; 
Peace shed her bright halo o'er land and o'er sea,
  And ushered the glory of freedom's glad day.

Thrill the heart with such joy as the ransomed may feel!
  Fling aloft the profld flag in its radiant light, 
From steeple and turret, from mountain top, peal
  The tidings of victory, the triumph of right.

But there steals through the sound of thanksgiving and praise,
  A low wail of anguish for brave hearts at rest; 
Their blood was the purchase that Liberty gave,
  That this may henceforth be the land of the blest.

Lift the flag of the free to the azure above,
  Let the nation rejoice,in the victory won; 
Bear the message, ye angels, on swift wings of love,
  A Republic redeemed by the blood of her sons.

   According to previous announcement a grand celebration was held at Findlay,
April 14. 1865, to rejoice over the dawn of a glorious peace. The day was bright
and cheerful, and nature seemed to smile on the exalted happiness of the people.
The exercises commenced at 6 o'clock in the morning with the ringing of bells,
and the firing of a salute of thirty-six guns. As the day wore on crowds of
people came pouring into Findlay. At 10 o' clock services were held in several
of the churches, and shortly after noon a large audience gathered at the Court
House where appropriate addresses were delivered by Revs. Rose and Wykes. In the
evening there was a fine display of fireworks, and every business house, as well
as many of the private dwellings, was brilliantly illuminated. This joy,
however, was destined to be short-lived, and suddenly changed to deep mourning.
About 10 o'clock on the following morning the news of President Lincoln's
assassination reached Findlay, and fell like a pall on the hearts of its
citizens. Every one was horror-stricken at the awful deed, and never was there
so much feeling manifested by the true and loyal hearts of Hancock County. In a
short time all of the business houses were closed and draped in mourning, and
the flags dressed in crape and raised at half mast. In the afternoon a public
meeting was held at the Court House to express the sentiments of the people on
the assassination of the President, and deep gloom filled every honest heart.
The Jeffersonian fully expressed in the following poem the deep feeling of the
people throughout the county at that time:

APRIL 15, 1865.

Toll the slow bells ! fire the minute guns!
  Let rain-drenched flags at half-mast droop! 
This grief a nation's great heart stuns,
  Beneath this burden strong men stoop.

Hang mourning emblems o'er the walls
  So lately winged with banners gay! 
He saved our flag from treason's thralls,
  Who slain by traitors lies to-day.

Let wailing fife and muffled drum
  Make moan as for a hero dead! 
But, oh! our deepest grief is dumb,
  Our bitterest tears congeal unshed.

We loved him; and the traitors live 
  Who forged the bolt that struck him down!
'Tis not for us to say, "Forgive,"
  When Lincoln's blood cries from the ground.

Lincoln, who stood so far above
  These war-clouds that his great heart felt 
Even for the South a yearning love,
  Which must at least e'en rebels melt.

Oh! by the love he bore our land,
  By these four years of toil for us, 
By all he was, so good, so grand,
  Our hearts cry out for vengeance just.

   Soon after the war ended, the Union armies were discharged and returned to
then: homes, and once more joy reigned supreme around hundreds of firesides in
Hancock County. Orators, journalists and historians have recorded the numerous
well-contested battles, campaigns and marches of these great armies, and their
wonderful achievements are enshrined upon the choicest pages of American poetry
and eloquence. The spirit of patriotism that caused them to enlist, that
sustained them through the trials and perils of the war, now pervades and
radiates from all the institutions of the land, and is felt in every patriotic
heart. To the survivors has been vouchsafed the blessing to witness the grand
results of all their sacrifices, in a reunited country pursuing a common destiny
under a government offering equal rights to all, while the name and fame of
those who have fallen either on the battlefield or in the line of duty, have
been commemorated through the pages of history and on the beautiful monuments of
marble and bronze prominent in city, town and village all over this broad land.

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