OHIO STATEWIDE FILES - HISTORY of 7th OVI Regiment (published 1908)
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by
Bob
graynag@apk.net
April 5, 1999
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For blondee@ldd.net

Sharon,
   
Regiment History:      
OHIO SEVENTH INFANTRY 
(Three Years) 
Seventh Infantry. - (Three Years' Service.) Cols., Erastus B.
Tyler William, R. Creighton; Lieut.-Cols., Joel F. Asper,
Orris J. Crane, Samuel McClellan; Majs.,John S. Casement,
Frederick A. Seymour.This regiment was organized at Cleveland
and Camp Dennison in June,1861 
to serve for three years. The privilege of sharing in the
opening campaign in western Virginia was allotted to this
regiment and on 
June 29 it started for that field. It was first under fire at
Cross Lanes, where the several companies, acting independently
of each other,took position on neighboring hills, and though
pressed against by overwhelming numbers tenaciously held their
positions, until they were at last forced to retreat leaving
the field and the dead and wounded in possession of the enemy.
The loss of the regiment in this unfortunate affair was 120 in
killed, wounded and prisoners. In March the spring campaign
opened and at the first battle of Winchester the 7th performed
an important part, adding to its reputation for effi- ciency.
Its loss was 14 killed, 51 wounded and several prisoners.The
7th in connection with the 5th Ohio, bore the brunt of the
fight at Port Republic and became the rallying center of the
battle. Taking  advantage of a wheat field near the enemy's
center, these two regi- ments double-quicked from point to
point along the line, under cover of some standing
wheat,halting now and then to deliver a galling fire. This was
kept up for 5 long hours and when a retreat was ordered the
7th was a part of the rearguard. At Cedar mountain in the
following August, it was engaged in a fierce hand-to-hand
struggle and of 300 men of the regiment engaged only 100
escaped unhurt. Although on the field during the battle of
Antietam, it was not in the front line and therefore its loss
was comparatively slight. In the brief contest at Dumfries
every man of the 7th was under arms and assisted materially in
repelling the enemy. At the battle of Chancellorsville it was
ordered to support a battery and later a line of skirmishers
that had been thrown forward. The skirmishers soon fell back
to the main body, but the 7th continued to advance until it
was ordered to retreat. It was one of three regiments that
covered the retreat of the Federal army and its conduct in
this hazardous and responsible position, as well as its
gallant action in the battle, reflected the highest honor not
only on the regiment, but also on the state from which it
came. Its loss in this battle was 14 men killed and 70
wounded. In the battle of Gettysburg the regiment was ordered
from point to point, where and when reinforcements were most
needed,but its loss was small owing to the protection of
breastworks. It lost but 1 man killed and 17 wounded. It
participated in the battles of Lookout mountain and Missionary
ridge and then pursued the enemy to Ringgold Ga.,where the
latter posted himself in a strong position. The brigade to
which the 7th belonged was ordered to storm the heights. At
this point the gallant Creighton shouted to his regiment:
"Boys, we are ordered to take that hill; I want to see you
walk right up to it!" And up they went,in the face of a
merciless fire in front and on both flanks. The charge was
repulsed with fearful loss, only 1 commissioned officer of the
regiment being left uninjured. Nineteen were killed, among
whom was the fiery Creighton, and 61 were wounded. At Rocky
Face ridge and Resaca, Ga.,was the last service performed by
the 7th as a regiment. It was ordered home to be mustered
out,which was done on July 8,1864, at Cleveland.During its
term of service 1,800 men had served with the regiment, and
now, save some 60 new recruits, transferred to the vet- eran
corps, only 240 able-bodied men remained to bring home their
un- sullied colors, pierced through by the shot and shell of
more than a score of battles. 
Source: The Union Army, vol. 2 

The Union Army A History of Military Affairs in the Loyal States 1861-65
-- Records of the Regiments in the Union Army -- Cyclopedia of Battles -- 
Memoirs of Commanders and Soldiers. 8 vols. 
Madison: Federal Publishing, 1908.


Bob  ( More tomorrow. The "sand-man" has won again.)


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